DEAR HARRIETTE: I typically run right into a former instructor of mine in my neighborhood, and it’s at all times an ungainly encounter. She taught me once I was round 15 or 16 years previous, and I’m in my late 20s now.
The issue is that each time I see her, she tells me one other story about myself that positively didn’t occur. The tales are normally her recalling a time that I misbehaved or bought in bother in school.
I used to be a straight-A scholar, and I used to be at all times respectful and accountable at school.
It’s irritating and upsetting to have her bear in mind me on this approach, and I’m unsure the way to deal with it. I assumed perhaps she had me confused with another person, however she insisted that she didn’t.
Subsequent time, ought to I’ve a critical dialog along with her about this? Ought to I let it go and keep away from her? Any recommendation could be enormously appreciated.
Unhealthy Reminiscence
DEAR BAD MEMORY: Search her out and invite her to tea or espresso. Sit along with her and ask her to inform you about her life. Get a way of the place her thoughts and ideas are. If in case you have constructive recollections of her as your instructor, share these along with her. Give her tales she might not recall that may substitute the incorrect ones.
Then inform her that you just aren’t certain with whom she is complicated you, however guarantee her that you just had been a conscientious, straight-A scholar, and also you loved her class. If she continues to insist on her recollections, invite her to allow them to go and share your constructive tales as a substitute.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I really feel awkward saying this, however I don’t actually know what Juneteenth is.
At my new job, we get the time off, which is good. I at all times respect paid day off, however I need to be told in order that I can speak about it or at the least not sound silly.
Are you able to clarify it to me? And why is it getting common solely now?
New Celebration
DEAR NEW CELEBRATION: June nineteenth, generally referred to as Juneteenth, grew to become a nationwide vacation in 2021.
That’s when it reached nationwide recognition, although it has been celebrated each small and extensive since 1865. It acknowledges the day — June 19, 1865 — when enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, had been knowledgeable that they had been free. That date got here two full years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which was to function the official announcement of the top of slavery, however the message didn’t attain Galveston till a lot later. Galveston was the final place within the nation to present enslaved individuals their freedom.
Individuals in Texas have lengthy celebrated this second of emancipation. Over time, communities within the South, particularly, have hosted occasions in honor of this pivotal day in American historical past. Many signed petitions and marched to create the nationwide vacation, together with 95-year-old Fort Value native Opal Lee, who is named the grandmother of Juneteenth. To study extra about her, go to: juneteenthftw.com/opal-lee.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist individuals entry and activate their goals. You’ll be able to ship inquiries to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
