DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in New York City, and the other day, I saw someone’s phone get stolen, and I didn’t do anything to help. I felt bad, but ultimately, I didn’t want to get hurt or have anything stolen from me in the process. I’m a little bit older, a woman and not in the best shape, so I froze in the moment and told myself it was safer to stay out of it. It happened quickly; someone grabbed the phone right out of a man’s hand and ran. There were other people around, and for a split second, I thought about yelling or trying to draw attention to what was happening. Then I immediately thought about the possibility of the thief turning on me or having a weapon. I convinced myself that it wasn’t worth the risk. Still, I can’t shake the guilt. I keep replaying it in my mind and wondering if I should have at least shouted, called 911 faster or done something other than just stand there.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend and I are going on a trip to Iceland. The other day, we were looking at dates to book our flights; we decided on a seven-day trip, and my friend decided to book her flight on the spot while I held off to double-check my work schedule and compare prices. After she booked her flight, she realized that she booked it for a day earlier than what we decided on. She then told me it’s not that big of a deal and that I should just book my flight a day earlier. The problem is that flying a day earlier would cost me significantly more money, and I would also have to rearrange some work commitments. I suggested that she try to change her flight instead, since she was the one who made the mistake, but she said the change fee would be expensive and it would be easier if I just adjusted my plans. I don’t think it’s fair that I should have to spend extra money because of her booking error. At the same time, I don’t want to come across as inflexible or cheap. This trip is supposed to be fun, and we’ve both been looking forward to exploring Iceland together for months. Should I book the original dates and meet my friend there or fly in a day early? – Travel Blues DEAR TRAVEL BLUES: You have choices.

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my closest friends has been in an off-and-on relationship with someone I don’t think is the best for them. I do not often give my opinion on my friends’ partners, as it is not my place to critique their relationships, but I have seen this person make my friend feel awful on one too many occasions for me to be OK with their partnership. My friend has spent years working on their emotional development, but this relationship often leaves them feeling like they haven’t done enough. I want to tell them to call this quits for good; however, I do not want to overstep my place as a friend. How do I tell my friend to get out without seeming judgmental or disapproving? – Leave Him DEAR LEAVE HIM: Unfortunately, you cannot get your friend to leave this person. Your words may have little impact on your friend as long their partner’s presence is in their blood, so to speak. If your friend asks for your opinion, be ready to share it, but don’t volunteer your thoughts without permission.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend got married last year in Peru. She and her husband invited family only, wanting to keep the wedding small due to budget.