Harriette Cole: My friend hit my car while he was helping me move. Who pays for it?

DEAR HARRIETTE: Last week, I had to move out of my family home suddenly. I was fortunate enough to have a friend offer to help me move. He was so sweet and did almost everything for me, for which I am incredibly grateful.

However, things took a turn for the worse when the moving van he was driving hit my car, causing nearly $4,000 in damage. Because I appreciate all that my friend did to help me, I can’t help but wonder if it’s wrong to ask him to pay the repair bill. What should I do?

Can’t Afford It

DEAR CAN’T AFFORD IT: This is tricky, especially if he was driving a van that you rented. Hopefully, you purchased insurance when you rented the vehicle, and he was driving it legally. Find out if that insurance will cover the cost of the damage.

You can also confess to your friend that you cannot afford to pay for the repairs to your vehicle and ask for his support, but your best bet is to go the insurance route.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am supposed to reconnect with a friend I have not seen in about a year.

During the pandemic, we became close, and she was one of the only people I went out to see. Then she started dating someone and began to change as their relationship progressed. They basically live together and spend the majority of their time by each other’s sides, and I feel like we have lost a lot of our friendship as a result.

I am excited to see her and catch up, but I am apprehensive about how things are going to feel between us.

I have never met her boyfriend even though they have been dating for years. It’s weird to me that one of my best friends, whom I already do not see often, has an entire life that I know nothing of.

Should I bring up to her that I feel like we have gotten distant? How should I approach that conversation without making her feel guilty or as if I am berating her for spending time with her boyfriend?

Boyfriend Takeover

DEAR BOYFRIEND TAKEOVER: Chances are, your friend is aware of the fact that the two of you have grown apart.

She knows you haven’t talked or seen each other much. She may have less longing for your bond since she has been consumed by her boyfriend, though. Rather than point out something you don’t want to discuss, do your best to focus on rebuilding your friendship.

Go into the get-together with the intention of catching up and enjoying your friend’s company. You can tell her you would like to meet her boyfriend as you learn about her life with him. Mostly, be in the present.

It may turn out that you pick up where you left off and everything feels right. If so, see where things go and find a new rhythm.

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.