Remember to keep a light burning

Here’s a New Year’s resolution: Support Ukraine. Stop Putin. Kyiv needs all the essential weapons of war – tanks and missiles, howitzers and drones. But it also needs less obvious weapons, from diesel-powered generators to long-lasting lightbulbs.

DO JUST ONE THING

Does your washing machine have the option of adding an extra rinse cycle? That extra cycle isn't necessary unless you're washing something heavy duty or if an item needs some serious cleaning. For normal laundry, the extra rinse cycle is unnecessary as long as you use the right amount of laundry detergent. Too much detergent can leave a film on your clothes, so follow the instructions and err on the side of using less if you're unsure. Skipping the extra rinse cycle saves 3 gallons of water, too.

College-age son only wakes up in the afternoon

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is home from school for a month, and all he does is sleep. I know that college was tough for him, but I do not like what he's doing now. At first, I let him sleep to regain energy. But now it has been a couple of weeks, and he still doesn't get up until after 1 p.m. That doesn't work in our house, and he knows it, which is why I'm concerned. I don't want to yell at him, but I need to break this pattern. What do you recommend? — Sleeping Beauty DEAR SLEEPING BEAUTY: What other unusual behaviors, if any, have you noticed in your son? When you talk to him, what does he talk about? What are his interests? How did he do in school? Can you get him to talk about his experiences at all? Your son may need to speak to a mental health professional. Do research in your community to find a therapist that he can visit in person or through a televisit. Get him evaluated. Resist blowing up at him. That won't help.

New year, still unresolved issues

Aformer president facing unprecedented legal challenges. A Justice Department confronting peculiarly awkward and unappealing decisions. A new Republican-controlled House facing an unusually fractious future. A GOP leader in an a typically difficult struggle to capture the speakership. An incumbent president approaching a re-election battle that his party would prefer he not undertake.

New therapies seem promising for prostate cancer

Dear Doctors: I am dealing with prostate cancer. I have a Gleason score of 8, which I understand makes me high-risk. I am undergoing hormone therapy, and brachytherapy is pending.

Employee feels uneasy with all-gender restroom

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm uncomfortable with the all-gender bathroom stalls at work. I was used to the traditional setup, where men and women had separate bathrooms. Having an all-gender bathroom space seems too intimate for me, and it's a bit embarrassing when I need to use the restroom while someone of the opposite gender is in there. I can't help but feel like we're invading each other's privacy by sharing this space. It makes me anxious every time I go into the restroom because I don't know who might be in there. Speaking up about this probably wouldn't go over well, as gender inclusivity is one of the company's key values, and I don't want to ruffle any feathers. What should I do? — Uncomfortable DEAR UNCOMFORTABLE: Perhaps some perspective will help you here. In many parts of the world, public bathrooms are open to whoever wants to use them, regardless of gender. The thinking is, this makes it convenient for everyone to use the facilities when they need to do so, and the energy around it is neutral. This concept can work well for you as well. For one, it cuts down on lines, particularly for women. It also makes the experience of going to the restroom convenient for all.

Harriette offers her readers new year’s wishes

DEAR READERS: Happy New Year! Welcome to 2023. In some ways, it feels like it was a blink ago that we entered 2022. I began last year with COVID-19 and had to put all my plans on pause. I had been so excited about the projects I was about to embark upon and got stopped in my tracks.

Life and your surroundings are what you make it

A couple of days ago, a friend of mine posted something written by a friend of his on Facebook. This is what she had to say: 'I've been contemplating what I really miss in life. Why do I feel this empty space?

Keep a light burning in Ukraine

Here's a New Year's resolution: Support Ukraine. Stop Putin. Kyiv needs all the essential weapons of war – tanks and missiles, howitzers and drones. But it also needs less obvious weapons, from diesel-powered generators to long-lasting lightbulbs.

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