Girlfriend Doesn't Want To Use Location Sharing
DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend of six months wants me to share my location with him, and I'm not so sure I want to do that. I know lots of families, friends and couples do this for safety, but I don't feel comfortable sharing this because I am a grown 35-year-old woman. I don't think anyone should be allowed to stalk my location. I told my boyfriend I'll think about it, and he felt offended that I didn't want to immediately share my location with him.
He says I'm making a bigger deal out of it than it needs to be and that if I have nothing to hide, it shouldn't bother me. He pointed out that several of his friends and their girlfriends all share their locations with each other and that it gives them peace of mind. He insists he isn't trying to monitor me or control where I go; he just likes knowing I'm safe, especially if I'm traveling alone or out late. I understand where he's coming from; I just feel this crosses a line for me. I've always loved my independence, and I don't like the idea of my boyfriend knowing where I am every minute of every day. Do you think I should give my boyfriend my location? -- Don't Monitor Me
DEAR DON'T MONITOR ME: I understand your point -- and your boyfriend's. I do like the idea of someone having your location in case of emergency. It could be a best friend, family member or your man. But you should not feel forced into giving it to this man, who is still new in your life. It's OK to stay the course and just say no. You can tell him you aren't rejecting him or hiding anything. Talk to him about your thoughts and values. Explain what independence means to you and how fiercely you have worked to be self-sustaining. Tell him you appreciate his desire to have your back and you welcome that attitude, but it is important for you, at least for now, to maintain your independence.
DEAR HARRIETTE: For the past two months, my husband has been sick in the hospital with heart failure. I have been a mess because he is only 55 years old and we've been together for 30 years. I can't imagine my life without him; for a majority of my life, he's been right there supporting me. We have two teenage boys, and I don't even know what to say to them as losing a parent so young is devastating. The doctors have been doing everything they can, but every update seems uncertain. One day they tell us he's making progress, and the next day there's another setback.
I spend almost every moment at the hospital because I don't want him to feel alone, but I'm emotionally and physically exhausted. I'm barely sleeping, I've lost my appetite and I feel guilty anytime I leave his side, even if it's just to go home to shower. Our boys are trying to be strong, but I can tell they are scared. How do I prepare my children and myself for a possible future without their dad? -- Sick Dad
DEAR SICK DAD: Be in the present. Don't start planning life without him now. Make sure your children visit him as much as possible. Be loving forces there with him. Whenever he passes -- now or in the future -- you will learn to live without him. He is here now. Cherish that.
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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 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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