Harriette Cole: Years ago, he threw dirt on my name. I haven’t forgotten.

I don't know how my bottled-up anger will come out when I see him this weekend.

DEAR HARRIETTE: A few years ago, a guy I went to college with said some really hurtful things about me and then blocked me on all social media platforms.

Unfortunately, he’s a well-known creative in my city, and his opinion carries weight among our peers. I’m a less popular creative. Needless to say, the fact that he threw dirt on my name really stung.

Now it seems fate has brought us together once again. We’ll both be attending the same event this weekend. I never expected to see him again, but here we are. I feel like I should address the things he said about me and clear the air.

However, I’m not sure how to approach the situation. I’m worried that because I’ve kept all of this anger toward him bottled up for so long, I don’t know how it will come out when I see him.

How do I express my hurt and anger without stooping to his level? I want to handle this in a way that reflects well on me and doesn’t make the situation worse.

Speaking My Piece

DEAR SPEAKING MY PIECE: Breathe — and remind yourself of your value. Review why you are attending this event and why you are worthy of being there.

When you see this guy, say hello and observe him first. Check out how he reacts to you and to others. If you can naturally claim a private moment with him, calmly ask him why he made disparaging comments about you in the past. Listen for his answer. You can tell him that his comments baffled and hurt you. Add that you hope that since you both work in the same field, you can create peace between you now.

Stay calm when you speak, no matter how heated you may feel inside. In this way, you maintain control of yourself in your interaction with him.

DEAR HARRIETTE: After years of working in the corporate world, I have realized that it’s not for me. I’m considering returning to the service industry, where I feel I’m better suited. The service industry is the only experience I have outside of my office jobs.

However, I’m worried that I may be seen as taking a step back in my career. How can I smooth this transition for my mental health without feeling like a failure?

Back To Serving

DEAR BACK TO SERVING: Take a step back and look around. There are many roles to be filled in our world. Corporate jobs represent a small part of the pie.

Don’t get caught up in appearances. Follow your heart and make a plan. Working in the service industry can be excellent and lucrative. What would you like to do in the space of service? Do you have the education to support your dream? If not, go back to school and get it. You may want to delay leaving your job until you get your degree, as it will be easier to pay for it with the corporate paycheck.

Create a plan and put it into action. Survey the landscape to see what interests you the most. Determine what the pay scale is for your areas of interest. With strategy, work toward your goal. Your focus and research will help you stay the course and better value the choice you will make.

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.