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DEAR HARRIETTE: I think I'm still in love with my ex. Is it possible it just wasn't the right time for us?

My ex and I ran into each other for the first time in a long time at a party back in December, and it's as if we picked up where we left off. There was some subtle avoidance at first, but he checked on me throughout the night and insisted that he drive me home afterward. I always appreciated how he would take care of me.

Since it was only one night, I decided not to make it more than it was. I didn't want to kick off some on-again, off-again pattern. Then last week he reached out and invited me to see his music group perform -- something I used to do when we were in a relationship. All these reminders of the past are stirring up feelings I had for him, and it makes me wonder if I'm still in love with him. If so, should I act on it? -- Right Timing

DEAR RIGHT TIMING: Take a pause and assess the situation as objectively as you can. Write down what worked about your relationship in the past -- and what didn't. What made you happy about being with him? What prompted you to end the relationship?

If your assessment suggests that there could be something real that's worth exploring, go forward. Be sure to talk it through so that you both go in with open eyes.

DEAR HARRIETTE: It seems like, aside from inflation, the world is almost back to pre-pandemic order. Some of the changes that came with COVID-19, like wearing masks and working from home, seem to be less important to some people. For the past two years, my job has been hybrid, working four days in the office and one day at home. Overall, company performance has been stellar.

Despite that, the higher-ups are saying that they want us to work in-office five days a week, which I think is inconsiderate to the employees. We get one day at home to get a break from commuting, get an extra hour of sleep, run an errand on our lunch breaks -- and still work! Why do they have to take that away if the company is still doing well? I know the job market is tough, but do you think this is a valid reason to leave my job? I want to be somewhere that recognizes that there is more to life than just work, but I'm not sure if that truly exists anywhere. -- In-Person Employee

DEAR IN-PERSON EMPLOYEE: I'm sorry to report that many companies have been trying to figure out how to get their staff back to the office full-time. Once the United States government required every federal employee to rejoin the office workforce full-time, many other companies fell in line.

Should this new rule send you looking for a new job? I don't think so. Instead, open a dialogue with your supervisor to see if there is any wiggle room for a four-day week -- if not every week, maybe sometimes. You can keep your eyes open for remote job opportunities, but it is wise to accept that the way the people work is ever-changing, and you will need to be willing to be adaptable.

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(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, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Copyright 2025, Harriette Cole

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