Friend tries to claim damage to borrowed car

Friend tries to claim damage to borrowed car

Apr 26, 2023

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am in a tricky situation, and I’m not sure how to handle it. Recently, I borrowed a friend’s car for spring break and went out of my way to take good care of it, even going as far as getting the oil changed because it needed it. I left it in perfect condition, and yet, when I returned the car to my friend, they tried to make me pay for damages that were already there! I feel tricked. How should I handle this? — Can’t Fool Me DEAR CAN’T FOOL ME: Hopefully you kept the receipts for all of the things you did to the car while it was in your possession. Sit with your friend and calmly list how you used and cared for their car. Point out that you were surprised that you needed to change the oil, as that should be done regularly, meaning they should have handled it. But you took it upon yourself to do it since the car indicated the need.

Co-worker is enthusiastic, not great at job

Co-worker is enthusiastic, not great at job

Apr 25, 2023

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work with someone who is enthusiastic but limited in her ability to do her job. Time and again, I find myself needing to explain things to her that seem elementary to me. She has been working for this company for a long time, and I know that she isn’t going anywhere. This isn’t a situation where I can relieve her of her duties and hire someone with better qualifications. Mostly, I bite my tongue and accept that things are the way they are. Recently, she asked me to work on a project with her, and I got to see her mediocre work up close; I lost it. We could be doing so much better. What can I do to improve matters when she isn’t going anywhere? — Mediocre at Best DEAR MEDIOCRE AT BEST: Look at this woman with compassion. It is not her fault that she is limited in her capabilities. It may also be true that she needs considerably more support in order for the company to do an excellent job. Look at her roles and responsibilities. What is she good at? Where does she need help? Who at your company has skills that can fortify her weaknesses? Can any responsibilities be divided up among those who can handle them better? Also, is there room in the budget to hire someone to do the work that she doesn’t do well? Get creative as you look for ways to support her rather than push her out.

Watching the rise of vigilantism

Watching the rise of vigilantism

Apr 25, 2023

Sixteen-year-old Ralph Yarl was picking up his two younger brothers at their friend’s house. But he made a mistake: He went to 115th Street in Kansas City instead of 115th Terrace. When Ralph knocked on the wrong door, 84-year-old Andrew Lester shouted, “Don’t come around here,” and shot him twice, once in the head.

Gauging proper level of friendliness with therapist

Gauging proper level of friendliness with therapist

Apr 22, 2023

DEAR HARRIETTE: My professional relationship with my therapist has gradually developed into somewhat of a friendship; we’ve started texting from time to time outside our sessions, and there’s definitely a newfound comfort level. I really appreciate the personal connection I have developed with my therapist, especially because therapy has helped me with some serious personal issues in the past. Having someone in my life that understands me so well has been really reassuring, and I love the conversations we have. At the same time, I can’t help but wonder if it’s unprofessional of my therapist to cross this boundary with me. I wouldn’t want to do anything to compromise the integrity of the work that I’m doing with my therapist — or their career. I guess I just don’t know what to do at this point. What would you recommend? — Friendly Therapist

Many with walking pneumonia don’t realize they’re sick

Many with walking pneumonia don’t realize they’re sick

Apr 22, 2023

Dear Doctors: My wife and I both had COVID-19. I recovered, but my wife kept feeling sick. We worried it might be long COVID. But when she saw her doctor, she got diagnosed with walking pneumonia. She took antibiotics and got better. How is walking pneumonia different from regular pneumonia?

Can wind farms and solar facilities supply our needs?

Apr 22, 2023

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has filed an Application with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for preapproval for the cost recovery of three wind farms and three solar facilities. The investment is estimated by PSO to be approximately $2.4 billion which, beginning in 2025 will increase PSO’s rates and charges for electric services in the State of Oklahoma. Many PSO customers got this notice.

Massacres and miracles: Who will tell these stories?

Massacres and miracles: Who will tell these stories?

Apr 22, 2023

In one of her first encounters with violence linked to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Deann Alford heard, or felt, a bullet pass and slam into a door frame, with shrapnel striking a nearby woman and child.

There's a reason every hit worship song sounds the same

Apr 22, 2023

(RNS) — On Easter Sunday, the worship band at Bethel Community Church in Redding, Calif, opened the service with 'This Is Amazing Grace,' a 2012 hit that has remained one of the most popular worship songs of the past decade.

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