Harriette Cole: My friend’s weight loss worries me. Can I ask what’s going on?

DEAR HARRIETTE I suspect that a friend of mine might be taking weight-loss supplements Related Articles Harriette Cole I met this guy on an app and all of a sudden I m running into him at work Harriette Cole Is it a red flag that he follows his ex and likes her posts Harriette Cole My neighbor is leaving me unsettling notes Harriette Cole Should I tell the bride why I m uneasy Harriette Cole My neighbor s bossiness about parking has gotten out of hand She s mentioned an interest in doing so before but has never verified that she started any particular regimen She s been losing weight rapidly over the last couple of months and now she s beginning to look unhealthy If she s not taking any supplements then I ll be even more concerned I want to be supportive if my friend is seeking to lose weight or build a healthier lifestyle but I don t want to encourage habits that put her physical or mental wellbeing and well-being at vulnerability I just don t know how to show my love care and advocacy without prying or even coming off as judgmental How can I share my concerns with my friend when she hasn t brought up her weight or soundness in a long time Fitness Concerns DEAR SOUNDNESS CONCERNS Tell your friend that you have noticed that she has lost a lot of weight Ask her what method she is using Encourage her to check in with her clinician to make sure she is following proper protocols Tell her you are happy for her but a little concerned that the weight loss has been so rapid Remind her that you love her and want the best for her The rest is up to her DEAR HARRIETTE I feel like my -year-old son doesn t listen to me unless I raise my voice I hate that yelling has become our norm It leaves me feeling frustrated and guilty and I know it s allegedly affecting him too Small things like getting dressed brushing teeth or cleaning up toys can turn into a major confrontation and I end up yelling just to get him to comply I ve tried reasoning calmly offering choices and even giving rewards but nothing seems to work consistently I want to be a parent who sets boundaries and enforces rules without constantly raising my voice but I m not sure how to regain authority in a calmer more positive way I worry that if this continues our relationship could become strained or resentful over time I want him to respect me without feeling like our home is a battlefield How do I break this cycle before it becomes permanent and help both of us feel more connected and less stressed Seeking Peace DEAR SEEKING PEACE Get up early and do something to ground yourself Do stretches deep breathing meditation or anything that engages your physical body and instills calm Decide that you are going to be positive in all of your interactions with your son With a smile and clear conviction greet your son warmly and invite him to begin his day with a calming exercise Teach him selected stretches and do them together Show him how to start off focused Tell him what time you want him to come for breakfast Remind him of what you need him to do and leave Related Articles Miss Manners Is it wrong to warn a foolish stranger about theft risks Dear Abby I m still bothered by a lie my boyfriend explained years ago Asking Eric I have a good plan for Christmas but my daughter isn t on board Harriette Cole I met this guy on an app and all of a sudden I m running into him at work Miss Manners I refuse to be part of their Christmas list ritual When it s time to eat call him but don t inspect Let him have agency Later check to see which of his chores he did if any but don t address it then When he comes home from school before he can play invite him to complete any unfinished tasks If he doesn t do them remind him This is the time to take away treats like TV and video games without raising your voice Become pleasant quiet and resolute as you consistently enforce consequences He will notice your change in behavior and test you Stay strong Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams You can send questions to askharriette harriettecole com or c o Andrews McMeel Syndication Walnut St Kansas City MO