Harriette Cole: My former teacher tells stories about me that aren’t true

DEAR HARRIETTE: I often run into a former teacher of mine in my community, and it’s always an awkward encounter. She taught me when I was around 15 or 16 years old, and I’m in my late 20s now.

The problem is that every time I see her, she tells me another story about myself that definitely did not happen. The stories are usually her recalling a time that I misbehaved or got in trouble in class.

I was a straight-A student, and I was always respectful and responsible in school.

It’s frustrating and upsetting to have her remember me in this way, and I’m not sure how to handle it. I thought maybe she had me confused with someone else, but she insisted that she didn’t.

Next time, should I have a serious conversation with her about this? Should I let it go and avoid her? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Bad Memory

DEAR BAD MEMORY: Seek her out and invite her to tea or coffee. Sit with her and ask her to tell you about her life. Get a sense of where her mind and thoughts are. If you have positive memories of her as your teacher, share those with her. Give her stories she may not recall that can replace the inaccurate ones.

Then tell her that you aren’t sure with whom she is confusing you, but assure her that you were a conscientious, straight-A student, and you enjoyed her class. If she continues to insist on her memories, invite her to let them go and share your positive stories instead.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel awkward saying this, but I don’t really know what Juneteenth is.

At my new job, we get the day off, which is nice. I always appreciate paid time off, but I want to be informed so that I can talk about it or at least not sound stupid.

Can you explain it to me? And why is it getting popular only now?

New Celebration

DEAR NEW CELEBRATION: June 19th, commonly known as Juneteenth, became a national holiday in 2021.

That’s when it reached national recognition, though it has been celebrated both small and wide since 1865. It recognizes the day — June 19, 1865 — when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed that they were free. That date came two full years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which was to serve as the official announcement of the end of slavery, but the message didn’t reach Galveston until much later. Galveston was the last place in the country to give enslaved people their freedom.

People in Texas have long celebrated this moment of emancipation. Over the years, communities in the South, in particular, have hosted events in honor of this pivotal day in American history. Many signed petitions and marched to create the national holiday, including 95-year-old Fort Worth native Opal Lee, who is known as the grandmother of Juneteenth. To learn more about her, go to: juneteenthftw.com/opal-lee.

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.