Texas’ carbon-free energy moments signal a bright future.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is often referred to as a 'mama's boy' because of his affectionate gestures toward me, such as kissing my cheeks before school, seeking my opinion on his clothes and requesting I support him during his basketball games. While I appreciate his closeness and love, I sometimes wonder if his attachment to me might hinder his independence and growth. I find myself torn between cherishing our bond and wanting him to develop his own identity and autonomy. How can I strike a balance between nurturing our relationship and encouraging his independence? — Mama's Boy DEAR MAMA'S BOY: It is wonderful that your son adores you. You don't need to push him away. What you can and should do is teach him that the way he cherishes you is how he should treat anyone he chooses as a partner. What you don't want him to do is shower all of his love on you to the detriment of his relationships as he develops them. Talk to him often about how to treat other people and how to make smart choices. Give him chores to do at home, and resist doing everything for him. Otherwise, he will believe that his partner should pick up where you left off and baby him when he is an adult. Teach him independence by assigning him duties that he has to figure out on his own. Let him fail at tasks so that he can learn from his mistakes. Love him, but stop enabling him. For more musings on this topic, read: imom.com/warrior-or-wimp-how-not-toraise- a-mamas-boy.
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In 1781, Germanborn astronomer William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Adoption seems to be the only option for my seven-year marriage to work. My wife is unable to bear children due to polycystic ovary syndrome, and this has put a strain on our hopes of starting a family. We have explored various options, but adoption appears to be the most viable solution for us to fulfill our desire to become parents and strengthen our bond.
Awoman at the party said, 'I like your hair!' This is always nice to hear. My hair is my least endearing feature, primarily because there is not much of it. But since my husband, Peter, started cutting it, I worry a lot less.
Aheadline in the Washington Post reads'The Economy Is Roaring. Immigration Is a Key Reason.' But Gallup reports, 'Immigration Surges to Top of Most Important Problem List.'
DEAR HARRIETTE: As an ordinary girl, I have recently caught the attention of the campus crush, who has started to court me. This unexpected turn of events has stirred up jealousy among the other girls, leading to an atmosphere of animosity and dislike all directed toward me. I find myself feeling overwhelmed by the negative energy and uncertain about what to do next.
Dear Doctors: I suffer from chronic back pain, and my doctor told me that the only treatment available is pain medication. Is that because the problem is with my lower back? Are there any other treatment options for this kind of chronic pain?