Author Biography | Full-Length Samples
Sense & Sensitivity
by Harriette Cole
There's a new voice offering sound, supportive advice, and it comes from Harriette Cole. The best-selling author and entrepreneur provides advice six times each week in her Q&A column Sense & Sensitivity, which appears in 50 newspapers nationwide. Cole gives modern advice for contemporary problems ranging from questions about etiquette, to relationship issues, to tough topics like depression and abuse. Her empathetic, sincere advice is also well researched, incorporating information and resources for readers seeking additional help.
Cole's compassionate voice draws on her varied experience. After launching a successful career as a runway model, Cole was lifestyle editor and fashion director at Essence Magazine. She wrote the best-selling bible for African-American brides, Jumping the Broom: The African-American Wedding Planner (Henry Holt, 1993), and its companion, Jumping the Broom Wedding Workbook. In 1999, she penned How to Be (Simon & Schuster). Her most recent book is CHOOSING TRUTH: Living an Authentic Life (Simon & Schuster, 2003). Cole has appeared on many national television and radio programs and in several major magazines and newspapers. As president and creative director of Harriette Cole Productions, the life coaching, style and literary production company she formed in 1995, Cole coaches recording artists as they develop their careers. She has worked with such notable musicians as Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige. A Phi Beta Kappa alumna of Howard University, Cole is originally from Baltimore, and now makes her home in Harlem, New York City.
Current Samples
September 8th, 2010
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 United Feature Syndicate
SENSE & SENSITIVITY
Will first friend become a former friend?
By Harriette Cole
DEAR HARRIETTE: People are telling me to steer clear of one of the first persons I met when I took my job here. She and I became friends mainly by circumstance, but we have forged a bond. I see that sometimes she can do self-serving things, but she's my friend. A colleague just told me that I should keep my distance because she has a bad reputation in our industry. I'm not surprised, but I don't know what to do. I don't want to dump her, but I know in my heart that she's not a good egg. How do you transition in a friendship when it feels that it may be time to back away? -- Marcy, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear Marcy: Have you ever heard the idea of "friends for a reason, friends for a season, friends for a lifetime"? I first heard motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant mention this. Not everyone has to be your friend for life. Perhaps you had a real co ...
September 7th, 2010
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010 United Feature Syndicate
SENSE & SENSITIVITY
Card company monitors customer's usage
By Harriette Cole
DEAR HARRIETTE: When I recently visited a department store, my credit card was rejected. I immediately called the credit-card company, and they said they had cut off its use. It seems that I had just returned from a cross-country trip and had made large purchases. So they called me on my phone, but I was not home. The red flag went up because of the large charges and distance from my home. When they ascertained the charges were legitimate, they immediately reinstated my card. When I returned to the store, the card was OK'd. I am pleased to know that the credit-card company is protecting my interests so efficiently. -- Barb, Shreveport, La.
Dear Barb: Thanks for sharing your story. I think it's important to know that credit-card companies are not out to get us, although it can feel that way sometimes, especially if you are denied the ability to ...
September 6th, 2010
Monday, Sept. 6, 2010 United Feature Syndicate
SENSE & SENSITIVITY
Family visit poses financial challenges
By Harriette Cole
DEAR HARRIETTE: I just received a phone call from my cousins, who live out east; they want to visit my family and me. That's great since we haven't seen one another for years. But there is a problem. My wife recently lost her job, and I'm on half-pay, so our resources are limited. My cousins are a family of six, and I know they don't have much money, either. I don't know if we can even afford to feed them for the 10 days they plan to visit. How do I address this with them? We don't want to turn them away, but we don't know what to do, either. -- Harry, Spokane, Wash.
Dear Harry: Here's a time to think about how to take care of your family creatively. The most important thing is to be completely honest with your cousins. Paint a clear picture of what's happening in your life right now. Tell them that you cannot afford to feed them without suppor ...
September 4th, 2010
Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010 United Feature Syndicate
SENSE & SENSITIVITY
Trip to the hairstylist goes horribly wrong
By Harriette Cole
DEAR HARRIETTE: My wife came home with a new hairdo. Usually I don't say anything about her hair or stuff like that, but this time I have to say something. She dyed her hair a weird shade of orange, and I think it's inappropriate, especially for her age. She looks like a punk rocker, and she's 55 years old. I'm wondering whether this is some midlife-crisis thing or just a mistake. I want to ask her about it and tell her what I think. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I think she looks crazy and I think it's my duty to tell her. -- Mark, Rochester, N.Y.
Dear Mark: You already know that getting in on the style conversations in a marriage can be a prickly affair. That said, I recommend that you tell your wife what you think. But I would start with a few questions. Ask her how she likes her hair. Ask her if the color is what she intended ...
September 3rd, 2010
Friday, Sept. 3, 2010 United Feature Syndicate
SENSE & SENSITIVITY
Birthday girl not a fan of surprises
By Harriette Cole
DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband is planning a surprise party for me. I think it's nice that he wants to do something special for me, but I hate surprises -- and he knows it. I don't want to play along and pretend that I'm surprised or anything. I do not want to be a part of this event. I want to tell him now, before he's too deep in it. I know he will be upset, but it is my birthday and I don't want this. A simple dinner with a few friends would make me happy. I need him to know this, or I'm sure I will be miserable. What can I do? I feel as if this is a no-win situation because he didn't honor my wishes. -- Brenda, New Orleans, La.
Dear Brenda: You obviously have thought about this a lot. You are right. If you don't want the party for YOUR birthday, stop it before it's too late. Be kind as you speak to your husband. You are right that he probably is d ...
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