Ido a funny thing in the middle of June. I try to celebrate the summer solstice.
The New Yorker headlines read “Donald Trump’s Politics of Plunder.” The New York Times reports “As Trumps Monetize Presidency, Profits Outstrip Protests.” and The Atlantic calls Trump 2.0 “The Most Corrupt Presidency in American History.”
DEAR HARRIETTE: A couple of months ago, I moved from Spain to the United States with my husband and our daughter. We settled in Los Angeles after we had done what we thought was careful planning. We saved up what felt like a substantial amount of money and assumed it would give us a good cushion while we adjusted and got settled. Reality has hit us much harder than we expected. The cost of living here is far more expensive than we imagined. Rent, groceries, child care, even just basic daily expenses – it’s all adding up so quickly. Our savings are running low much faster than we anticipated, and our salaries aren’t nearly enough to keep up with the lifestyle we’re trying to maintain, even though it’s a modest one. We’re doing our best to stay positive and make it work, but I’m already finding myself questioning whether this move was the right decision. I miss the stability and affordability of life back in Spain, and I’m starting to wonder if moving back is the more responsible choice. How do you know when to keep pushing forward and when to admit that something just isn’t working? – Over Our Heads DEAR OVER OUR HEADS: Assess the situation as calmly as you can. What made you come to the United States in the first place? Family? Sentiment? Whatever it was, is that draw more important than your reality today?
CLINTON’S HISTORY 10, 20, 30 AND 40 YEARS AGO
Dear Doctors: My mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I’m helping with her medical appointments. Her oncologist says she needs a liquid biopsy. She has already had a biopsy – that’s how they found the cancer. Why would she need another one?
DEAR HARRIETTE: My girlfriend and I decided to break up. It was mutual.
This time 10 years ago, much of the political commentariat, both Democratic and Republican, was having a grand old time making fun of Donald Trump. The real estate/ marketing/TV star entered the GOP race for president on June 16, 2015 – you remember the famous coming-down-the-escalator scene.
Hello, readers, and welcome to a bonus letters column! You are keeping our mailboxes full, so we will get right to your letters.
Dear Doctors: We live in Wisconsin, and this year we’re seeing a lot of news about ticks carrying Lyme disease and a few other kinds I hadn’t heard of before. They don’t fly around like mosquitoes, so why is it so easy for them to bite you? Are there bug sprays that are good against ticks?
DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend is celebrating her son’s first birthday soon! We are all excited to be there for him, but it seems like my friend left a few people off of her guest list – my mom being one of those people. We have been best friends since we were 13. Our parents are close, and my mom is always there to support her for special occasions (graduations, birthdays, her wedding, etc.). This time, it seems like my mom didn’t even cross her mind. My mom and I were offended. It feels inconsiderate. Should I say something or focus on the birthday boy, despite my mom’s feelings? – Family Friends DEAR FAMILY FRIENDS: You should definitely speak to your friend. Assume that it was an oversight. Tell her that you noticed that your mom was not invited to the party. Ask if this was intentional. If she says yes, ask her why. Find out what reason she could possibly have for not including your mother, given her involvement in your friend’s life. Tell her your mother’s feelings are hurt, and ask her to reconsider.