Harriette Cole: I’m envious that she has sympathy for a co-worker and none for me

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been struggling with what feels like depression.

Harriette Cole: I was confused by what I saw on my phone, and then my girlfriend confessed

Harriette Cole: Should I tell my husband why my friend won’t visit us?

Harriette Cole: I’m afraid I’ll get in too deep on the rich women’s trip

Harriette Cole: After they married, she showed a different side of herself

Harriette Cole: Now that I’ve proposed, I’m getting worried about marrying her

I’ve never experienced these long periods of sadness, isolation and laziness before, but for the past year, I’ve been in a season of hardship, battling unemployment and other life changes.

The other day, a close friend of mine broke down crying about how horrible she felt learning that one of her co-workers has been going through a tough time emotionally. My friend told me she hates hearing stories of people going through difficult periods.

Honestly, in the past year she has made light of my situation, changed the subject when I’ve had vulnerable moments and never actually asked me how I am doing.

Hearing her empathize with her co-worker infuriated me.

I tried to sit through her moment of vulnerability, but all I could feel was anger and envy. I excused myself and decided to head home.

I’m sure she was confused, but that kind of lack of consideration for me feels inexcusable. Is there a conversation I should have with her?

— Lack of Empathy

DEAR LACK OF EMPATHY: When you are able to calm down, you should reach out to your friend. Chances are, she is totally unaware of her behavior toward you.

Because she doesn’t handle stress well, she shrugs off your issues. Now, seeing her co-worker on a daily basis and observing whatever crisis she may have experienced has forced her to acknowledge someone else going through it.

Speak to her and tell her the truth: You have been struggling for a whole year, and when you attempted to talk to her about it, she diminished your concerns. Tell her how upsetting it was for you to see her break down about a colleague who is in mental distress when she has not been there for you when you have needed her support. It hurts.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just moved to a new city, and I met a guy on a night out. He’s sweet and has been attentive the past few weeks.

It’s nice being able to explore dating in this new city, but at the same time, I want to take my time as I create new connections and community here. Part of me thinks he’s a bit clingy.

He already has 10 different pet names for me. He offers to call me whenever I leave work and before I go to bed. He also offers to join me for minor errands and includes himself in some of my future plans. Whenever I set boundaries, he’s compliant.

Is this happening too fast? We only met a month ago and have been on three or four dates. I’m not totally familiar with the term, but this sort of feels like “love bombing.”

How do I pace myself with a suitor who seems to have good intentions but may be coming on too strong?

— Love Bomb

Miss Manners: I feel bad for gasping at this man’s unusual face. Should I have apologized?

Dear Abby: Should I tell her about these letters from her husband?

Asking Eric: My husband asked a young woman to travel with him to our son’s house

Harriette Cole: I was confused by what I saw on my phone, and then my girlfriend confessed

Miss Manners: Is it petty of me to resent this woman’s presumptuous thank-yous?

DEAR LOVE BOMB: You can’t fault this guy for thinking you are a good catch! Still, you can manage expectations and time. Tell him how much you appreciate his attentiveness, but you want to slow it down a bit.

If you don’t think he is “the one” — or at least not yet — give yourself space to meet other people. Otherwise, your situation with him may become exclusive by default.

Continue to talk to him and see him when you like, but your interaction does not need to be every day.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.