DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 23-yearold who just moved to San Francisco. My dad recently came to visit me, and I was excited because I hadn't seen him in six months. My excitement was dampened once he got here and had nothing positive to say, just complaints the entire time. He hated my apartment, thought it was too exhausting to walk up the hills in the city and didn't like how expensive the city was. I was really frustrated because I've been loving my life here. I found a small apartment that's in a great location and have been really good at budgeting. Despite his complaints, I decided to try and keep a positive attitude and continue to tour him around the city. I don't want our relationship to be strained, and I want him to see that I'm doing well here. How can I address my dad's negativity and help him see the positive side of my new life in San Francisco? — Crack a Smile DEAR CRACK A SMILE: Choose the positive. Thank your Dad for coming to visit you and spending time together. Tell him how much you appreciate his effort. Then move on to recapping what you like about your life as you are establishing independence as a young adult. You can leave it at that, or, if you feel so inclined, you can remind him that you are budgeting well in an expensive city. You are enjoying the beauty that the city has to offer, meeting new people and building your life.
