What do you call it when somewhere between 6 and 8 million people enter the United States illegally in the course of three years? Many people would call it a crisis, albeit a man-made one, since the reason so many have been able to cross illegally into the United States is the refusal, by President Joe Biden, to enforce immigration laws that authorize him to stop the incursion at any time.
No wonder Trump won't show up on a debate stage. He's gotten to where he can barely keep it together in front of the adoring throngs at his campaign rallies. Somewhat smaller throngs, it must be said — but, hey, it's January, and everybody's seen The Trump Show many times by now.
• Do your kitchen or bathroom drains have an unpleasant scent? Instead of dumping chlorine bleach down the drain to neutralize it, pour in regular salt as a nontoxic solution.
DEAR HARRIETTE: How do I, while in a heterosexual romantic relationship, manage and nurture healthy opposite-sex friendships without causing discomfort or misunderstandings with my partner? Are there specific boundaries or communication approaches I can adopt to maintain trust and ensure mutual comfort in such situations? — Establishing Friendships DEAR ESTABLISHING FRIENDSHIPS: It’s all about honesty and trust.
The circus has left town. No more walks down Main Street, no more visits to veterans' halls, no more fables about lessons candidates learned while talking to people in community centers in small towns. But for all the divisiveness and all the invective, New Hampshire's primary gave clarity to two things that will shape the campaign in the year ahead.
ASK THE DOCTORS
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm 32 years old and have recently shifted to a remote work setup for the first time in my career.
There's an old story about a dog food brand that was rapidly losing business. An emergency meeting was held to determine the cause. The can is the wrong color, complained one company official. The advertising jingle is off-key, said another. Finally, a fellow in the back spoke the truth: 'Dogs don't like it.'
My husband, Peter, and I are headed out to Mexico again, and before we do, I thought it was a good time of year to check in with some folks I care about, to see how 2024 had been treating them so far.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Several students in my daughter's school have died by suicide in the past two years. Now we are hearing of college presidents and other professionals who are taking their lives. This trend is frightening. Though I can turn off the news at home, my daughter is still aware of these tragedies. I am so worried for her and her friends.