DEAR HARRIETTE: My 17-year-old daughter not too long ago posted an image of herself on Instagram. She was so excited as a result of the images had been from a live performance the place her favourite band carried out.
Somebody she thought was her good friend took a screenshot of that photograph and used it in an extremely hurtful means: She posted the image on a non-public Snapchat story and cruelly made enjoyable of my daughter, calling her ugly and inspiring others to snigger at her.
When my daughter discovered, she was devastated.
She’s at all times been fairly assured, however this has actually shaken her. It’s exhausting sufficient being a youngster nowadays with all of the pressures of social media, physique picture and becoming in, and to have somebody she trusted flip round and publicly humiliate her like that is simply an excessive amount of.
Ought to I attempt to intervene and communicate to this lady’s dad and mom or attain out to the varsity to see if there’s something they will do? My daughter doesn’t need to make an enormous deal out of it as a result of she’s embarrassed, however I can’t simply stand by and do nothing.
— Cyber Hazing
DEAR CYBER HAZING: You can not repair this, so stand down for now. You don’t need to danger additional embarrassment on your daughter.
Assist her from the sidelines by explaining that some individuals are mean-spirited, like this particular person she thought was a good friend. Your daughter ought to stroll away from her. She has confirmed to be a nasty good friend. As a lot because it hurts, she ought to ignore her and make an effort to dwell her life and construct new friendships.
If the lady continues to bully her, encourage your daughter to talk to the principal, and provide to assist if she takes that step.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m 67 years outdated, and not too long ago my 19-year-old cat handed away. I used to be unhappy about her demise, however I got here to phrases with it extra simply than I had anticipated.
My husband and I not too long ago grew to become empty-nesters, and with the passing of our cat, we’ve got no duties apart from taking care of ourselves. I’ve at all times had a ardour for journey, however I used to be unable to as a result of I used to be busy elevating my youngsters and caring for my cat. Now I discover myself with the time and freedom to discover the world, and I used to be excited to take action.
A number of days in the past, I discussed to my youngsters that I missed my cat, however I didn’t notice they might take that assertion so severely. In an effort to cheer me up, they stunned me with a kitten.
Whereas I admire their thoughtfulness, I’ve to confess I’m a bit irritated by the state of affairs. This kitten, being so younger, might dwell for one more 20 years, and I’m unsure I’m able to make that form of dedication once more. As a lot as I miss my outdated cat, I used to be trying ahead to having the flexibleness to journey and dwell extra spontaneously now that each my youngsters and my pets have moved on.
Do you suppose I ought to give the kitten again to my youngsters?
— Shifting On
DEAR MOVING ON: Collect your youngsters and communicate to them in particular person. Thank them for being so considerate, however clarify that when you admire their generosity, you not desire a pet.
Inform them your plans to see the world and the way a pet makes that unimaginable. Invite them to soak up the cat themselves or return it to be rehomed.
