Hello again, dear readers, and welcome to a bonus letters column. We're addressing a handful of topics from recent columns that have generated quite a few letters.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 25-yearold woman, and I work in finance at a bank. I'm struggling to manage a relationship with a co-worker. A colleague I once considered a friend has become increasingly competitive and seems to be undermining my work. We used to collaborate effectively and share great conversations.
New York Times column headline reads'American Elections Are About Abortion Now.' New York magazine puts it more bluntly: 'Abortion Wins Elections.'
Ihave always liked Thanksgiving.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Many people have advised me to start a few hobbies again to get my motivation back. A few years back, I abhorred reading, but recently, I have found a love for it. I typically read during the summertime when I do not have other obligations. When I get into a book, it is hard for me to focus on anything else or go to sleep until I finish it. This is not exactly productive when I need to do schoolwork. I do not want to stop reading, because it is a much better use of my time than getting consumed by social media or television or naps that are way too long. Still, I need to do a better job managing my time so that I do not become so entranced in my books. How do you suggest I manage my reading time in tandem with my schoolwork? — Time Management DEAR TIME MANAGEMENT: Reading is a much better use of your time than some alternative activities, so congratulate yourself on that. Use technology to help you out. Set a timer on your phone to alert you to the end of reading time. Give yourself an hour for reading, followed by quiet. In order to calm your mind and prepare to sleep, you need to stop any form of stimulation. Reading can be extremely engaging. It is known as a way to transport readers to new locales and experiences — not to lull them to sleep or toward schoolwork. So limit your reading time and pivot to your duties when the alarm sounds.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a perfectionist, and it's causing me a lot of stress. I recently accepted a job that proved to be overwhelming to me. I thought I would be good at it, but I had to stretch a lot, and it just seemed like I was not doing anything right. I ended up quitting after one week.
To the citizens of Ward 3, and the citizens of the City of Clinton as a whole, THANK YOU!
Thanksgiving is only a handful of days away and over the years it has become my favorite holiday. For me it’s not even close Sure, Christmas is great when you take out the commercialism and the “gimmie-gimmie-gimmie” mentality. It’s really fun if you are a natural giver, especially to people who are entirely too practical for their own good.
30 YEARS AGO
I used to think that almost everyone celebrated their birthday, even if it were only via messages on Facebook. But from the Sisters of Life in New York, I've learned that many of the women the religious group serves — who are pregnant and in need of support — have never had a birthday party. The women often come to the nuns in desperate circumstances. And the nuns greet them with love, which includes making a big deal about their birthdays. They truly celebrate the gift of life.