Friends ditch student who doesn’t dress up

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends and I are studying abroad in Europe, and we like to explore the party scene here. The clubs are strict – they have security guards, and apparently everyone expects you to wear high heels and tiny dresses, neither of which are really my style. My friends and their tiny dresses were approved by the bouncer, but my mom jeans and I were not. This happened twice.

Long-distance love interest books trip

DEAR HARRIETTE: About a month ago, I reconnected with an old friend from college. I was visiting his city, and we bumped into each other and have been talking ever since.

In 1908, the first Model T automobile was assembled at the Ford factory in Detroit.

As Maine goes, so goes the nation

OGUNQUIT, Maine – The Old Dirigo State. The Lumber State. Down East. The Switzerland of America. The Polar Star State. The Pine Tree State. Vacationland.

Sibling wants to help sister through divorce

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister recently went through a divorce, and it’s been difficult for her. She has two young kids, and I can see how overwhelmed and stressed she is, trying to juggle her work, taking care of the kids, managing the household and trying to keep her life on track. I want to be there for her, but I’m not sure of the best way to help. I don’t want to overstep or make her feel like I’m judging her, but I also don’t want to sit back and do nothing while she struggles.

Employees take advantage of summer hours

DEAR HARRIETTE: Summer is over, but I feel like my staff is still working at less than full capacity. Every year, I give them time off during the summer, which usually includes half days off on Fridays and shorter hours. The expectation is always that they will crank it up when the fall comes. It seems, though, that everyone is asleep at the wheel, so to speak. I ask for projects to be completed or for someone to follow up on some work, and I find myself asking three and four times before getting a response. This is frustrating. It feels like I’m being penalized for giving them some much-needed time off this summer. How can I get them to crank up their energy? – Ramp It Up DEAR RAMP IT UP: Host a cheerleading session with your team. Highlight good things that occurred this summer, including time off to enjoy the season. Point out what’s ahead, including projects, pitches and anything else that is on the horizon. Connect the dots by letting them know that they are integral to the success of the business and you are counting on them to give it their all.

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