DEAR HARRIETTE: The tipping culture in the United States is puzzling to me as someone from Japan, where tipping is not customary. In Japan, tips can imply that the employer does not provide adequate wages.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Is it crossing the line if I attend my ex-boyfriend’s wedding? We have known each other for 16 years as neighbors. Despite breaking up three years ago, I recently received an invitation to his upcoming wedding. I am still single since our split, and his impending marriage came as a shock.
Dear Doctors: I’ve been offered a new job that would start this summer. It comes with a sizable pay raise, so I am considering it. What worries me is that it’s an overnight shift, which I’ve read is hard on your health. I would like to know more about that, and if I can avoid the negative health impacts.
DEAR HARRIETTE: During spring break, I visited my boyfriend’s hometown, where I met his extended family, known to me through his sister’s stories. She had mentioned that most of their older male cousins were sneaky and playful. Throughout my stay, my boyfriend’s favorite cousin repeatedly tried to flirt with me and asked for my social media handles. I repeatedly rejected his advances and avoided any further interaction. Now that we are back at our apartment, I am wondering whether to tell my boyfriend about this, but at the same time, I’m not sure what would be the sense of that. I wonder if it is best to keep it to myself. – Boyfriend’s Sneaky Cuz DEAR BOYFRIEND’S SNEAKY CUZ: Don’t keep this from your boyfriend, but also don’t make it a huge deal. As you two review the highlights of your trip to meet his family, share some of the positive things that occurred. Who did you meet and hit it off with? What did you learn? What did you do? But also tell your boyfriend that his sister was right: She told you that most of their older male cousins were sneaky and playful. Much to your surprise, the one who stood out was his favorite cousin, who overtly made advances to you during your stay.