This just in: Your dog doesn’t feel even a little bit guilty for jumping up on the counter and scarfing down an entire baked chicken. He’s just afraid because you’re yelling at him.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been invited to a high-profile event by an old friend I haven’t seen in years. It’s a fantastic opportunity, but there’s a bit of a catch: The event is in a city I’m uncomfortable traveling to alone due to safety concerns. I’m in my early 40s now and find that I’m more cautious about such things than I used to be.

Let’s return for a moment to the two conventions now concluded and consider one of the important things that didn’t happen – and what that omission tells us about the two parties.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently received an incredible job offer from one of the top companies to work for in the United States. This opportunity is a huge milestone in my career; it’s something I’ve worked really hard for over the years. I was thrilled when I got the news and couldn’t wait to share it with the people closest to me. However, when I told my best friend about the job offer, her reaction was not what I expected. She has been struggling to find a job for quite some time, especially in this tough economy. I know how hard it’s been for her – she’s been applying everywhere, going to interviews and dealing with the stress and disappointment that come with job hunting.