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The decision is likely to reverberate far beyond Europe’s borders and set a benchmark that could be replicated around the world.

Q: At first I was worried about missing out on P.J. Tucker backups like Gorgui Dieng and T.J. Warren. But I realize Pat Riley probably does not sweat role players when he is whale hunting. I probably would not either if I could regularly uncover undrafted and G League gems almost every year. But honestly, could you see Haywood Highsmith or Omer Yurtseven being ready to fill PJ’s shoes this upcoming season or would the drop-off from them to P.J. be that great? By waiting longer, are we going to end up with a gaping wound at that position? – Eddie, South Bend, Indiana.

A: There remain veteran options out there in free agency, including a return of Markieff Morris. Either through free agency or a trade, Pat Riley assuredly will have a veteran option at power forward on the season-opening roster.

Q: Do you think Pat Riley may be considering Omer Yurtseven and Bam Adebayo together? – Joel.

A: He might, but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is what Erik Spoelstra considers. And to this point, Erik has not shown an inclination for such a pairing. Now, with growth in the games of Bam Adebayo and Omer Yurtseven, perhaps that changes.

Q: How about a return of Hassan Whiteside? Surely he’s an upgrade over Dewayne Dedmon as a backup five. – David, St. Louis.

A: First, Dewayne Dedmon already has been re-signed by the Heat on a two-year deal. So that ship has sailed. Also, it never was truly comfortable with Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo together on the roster. Plus, as it is, if the Heat want to experiment big, the time likely has come for that experimentation to come with Omer Yurtseven.

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Before Anthony Santander grabs a bat and waits his turn for on-field batting practice before games, the Orioles outfielder makes his way to first base. He doesn’t have a glove other than what he uses in the outfield, so Santander borrows a first baseman’s mitt from Ryan Mountcastle, Trey Mancini or Tyler Nevin.

Then he takes grounders, occasionally practicing flip plays to an imaginary pitcher covering the base. Santander remembers most of the technique from his limited experience in the past, but assistant coach Jose Hernandez offers advice throughout — from the proper wrist position when fielding to how to sort out his feet on the bag.

Unlike the batting practice Santander will do soon after, the work he puts in at first base is with the future in mind. The Venezuelan prides himself on his defensive ability in either corner outfield spot. But in three, maybe four years, or maybe even sooner? Will a shift to first base be required?

“When the time comes,” Santander, 27, said, “I’ll be ready.”

Part of Santander’s value is his versatility. When asked why he wanted to be ready to play first base, Santander shrugged and said: “I’m a switch hitter.” He developed that ability as a 15-year-old who was convinced that the skill to swing from both sides of the plate would only increase major league teams’ interest in him as he embarked on his path to professional baseball.

Now that he’s here, he wants to go one step further: By adding an ability to play first base to his repertoire, he can slot into a lineup at four positions, including designated hitter. As the Aug. 2 trade deadline approaches, it might also be another attractive aspect for a contender. He’s a versatile slugger with two years of arbitration remaining before reaching becoming a free agent.

The business side isn’t on Santander’s mind, though. For now, he takes those grounders during batting practice as preparation for the future — wherever that might be.

“Wherever I can play more positions to be in the lineup every day, the better it is for me, and to help the team win at the end of the day,” Santander said. “But playing first base isn’t something that’s on my mind for this year, or even next year. Just something I want to get used to little by little. My main focus is playing in the outfield this year.”

Patrolling the infield isn’t entirely new to Santander, even if he needs to borrow a teammate’s glove to do it. When he played little league in Venezuela, Santander occasionally played across the diamond at third base. And when he arrived at the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians in 2016, Santander played nine games at first base on a trial basis.

He didn’t stick then. But as he gets older, he sees the ability to play first base as a benefit — a way to prolong his playing career — especially because Santander isn’t consider a future as a designated hitter.

“It’s not something I played a lot, but it’s something that I did every now and then,” Santander said. “The ability is still there and I’m just training it and getting back into the swing of things at first base.”

There isn’t a need for Santander to play first base for the Orioles. With Mountcastle expected to be a long-term piece in Baltimore and Mancini and Nevin in the mix as well, Santander’s current home will remain in the outfield unless trades necessitate a switch.

So, for the time being, Santander’s batting practice routine is merely preparation.

“Start taking ground balls now, it’s going to benefit in the future for me of my career,” Santander said. “Just add another ability, another tool, to my skill set.”

ORIOLES@RANGERS

Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.

TV: MASN2

Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM

()

“So you and Wendy are still having issues on defense,” I said to Cy the Cynic.

Cy, a chauvinist, and Wendy, my club’s feminist, are always at odds, even when they cut as partners in my club’s penny game. Cy was today’s East, and against four hearts, Wendy, West, led the deuce of spades: three, king, ace. South next let the ten of trumps ride.

“I won and returned the jack of spades,” Cy said. “South produced the queen, drew trumps and lost a diamond finesse to my king. We cashed a spade, but South won Wendy’s club shift and threw clubs on the good diamonds. He made his game, and Wendy said I was even dumber than the average man.”

FIRST SPADE

Cy should make the “discovery play” of the jack on the first spade. When South takes the queen, Cy knows the defense needs at least one club trick besides a trump and a diamond. So when Cy takes the king of trumps, he can shift to the ten of clubs, and South goes down.

“There are three ways to argue with Wendy,” Cy told me. “None works.”

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 9 5 3 H A J 4 D A Q J 9 C A 7 3. Your partner opens one spade. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: A response of 3NT would show balanced pattern and about 16 points. Many players avoid this call, especially with two four-card suits, because it consumes bidding space and may impede slam investigation, but since it is descriptive, it can’t be all bad. If you are uneasy about crowding your own auction, respond two diamonds.

North dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S 9 5 3

H A J 4

D A Q J 9

C A 7 3

WEST

S 10 8 6 2

H 5 3 2

D 7 4 2

C Q 8 4

EAST

S K J 4

H K 7

D K 6 5 3

C K 10 9 2

SOUTH

S A Q 7

H Q 10 9 8 6

D 10 8

C J 6 5

North East South West
1 NT Pass 3 H Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S 2

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

TODAY’S WORD — SESTINA (SESTINA: seh-STEE-nuh: A fixed poetic form.)

Average mark 22 words

Time limit 35 minutes

Can you find 28 or more words in SESTINA? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — MILDEWED meddle meld mewed mewl middle mild mildew mile idle lewd lied lime deed deem dele deli died diel dime elide weed weld wide wield wild wile

To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!

RULES OF THE GAME:

1. Words must be of four or more letters.

2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.

3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.

4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kevin Hart, 43; Tia Mowry, 44; Tamera Mowry, 44; Sylvester Stallone, 76.

Sylvester Stallone (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images) 

Happy Birthday: Take your time, think matters through and keep things in perspective. The decisions you make will impact your life as well as other people. Show compassion, and put thought and energy behind your promises. Precision, attention to detail and quality will determine your success. Have a solid plan in place before you share your intentions. Your numbers are 2, 14, 22, 25, 34, 37, 40.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’ll find it difficult to say no to a persuasive talker or someone who’s trying to sell you something. When temptation sets in, rethink your steps and set your sights on an educational or constructive path. Personal improvement will pay off and encourage rewarding friendships. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll be quick to make decisions. Put a hold on voicing your opinion or making promises you haven’t thought through. Don’t limit your possibilities by tying up your time and energy on something that will not satisfy your soul. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Seize the moment, do something you find inviting and immerse yourself in mastering what you set out to achieve. Don’t wait for someone to take charge; set expectations and achieve your goal. Self-improvement and romance are encouraged. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Exhaust all your options before making a move. Getting along with others will be mandatory if you want to get things done on time. Stick to what’s feasible, and avoid overreacting and overspending. Moderation and discipline are encouraged. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Pay attention to presenting yourself properly. Your image will make a difference when networking. A chance to impress someone you feel drawn to will give you the edge you need to outshine anyone who wants to compete with you. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your emotions in check. Refuse to let someone upset you or back you into a corner. Look for ways to improve what you can offer, and move forward quickly. Put pressure on anyone who tries to hold you back. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep your thoughts to yourself. Focus on self-improvement instead of trying to change someone. Look for a chance to nurture and improve your relationships. Doing so will encourage others to go out of their way to help and support your efforts. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t shun your responsibilities. Take care of duties before moving on to more enjoyable or creative tasks. Having a clear mind will make it easier for you to develop an original plan that will help you expand your interests. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put your strengths to the test, and don’t stop until you reach your goal. Self-improvements will fetch compliments and encourage talks about intentions and plans with someone you love. Make physical changes at home that add to your comfort. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep everything in perspective. Too much of anything will leave you in a quandary. Concentrate on positive changes at home, and nurture relationships you have neglected. Reaching out to the people you care about will bring you closer. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put everything you’ve got into making your environment better. Spend time at home going over pending matters and cleaning up unfinished business. What you accomplish will buy you the freedom to follow your heart without feeling guilty. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You can think big, but when it comes to putting your plans in motion, do so from a minimalist point of view. Use only what’s necessary to reach your target. Waste not, and you’ll have no regrets. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, big-hearted and changeable. You are entrepreneurial and presumptuous.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold. Birthday Baby: You are lively, entertaining and perceptive. You are imaginative and persuasive.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters. 

Growing public pressure to free the W.N.B.A. star, who has been detained in Russia for months, comes with risks.

Dear Amy: My daughter (22 years old) came out as a non-binary last year, and I fully supported them (we use them/their pronouns now). They’ve been a lot happier since coming out.

Amy Dickinson 

They prefer to use their middle name (let’s say “Max”) instead of their first name (“Suzy”).

The problem now is that my religious sister (who lives in another country) is coming into town for a visit.

I told my sister about Max a while back and she obviously is not very happy about it (not my problem). In our online chats, she keeps referring to Max as Suzy.

Whenever she does that, I will reply in ways such as: “Oh, yes, Max is very glad that…”

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I don’t want her visit to be a disaster, nor do I want to listen to her quote from the Bible, etc.

Since my sister doesn’t live in this country, Max hasn’t seen her for a long time. I haven’t told Max about their aunt’s refusal to call them Max.

How should I handle this?

Anxious Mom

Dear Anxious: Non-binary does not refer to sexuality, but to gender. I’m not aware that the Bible addresses this aspect of being human (but I assume that readers will correct me).

If you accept that gender occurs along a continuum marked by two genders on either end of the spectrum  Female/Male, then it makes sense that a percentage of humans would identify as neither completely male nor completely female but as “non-binary.”

Again, this gender identification is separate from the issue of a person’s sexuality.

Let’s stipulate that even after you explain this, your sister might find it confusing.

But even the most confused or gender-denying person can understand it when someone changes their name.

Your sister would no doubt respect a name change if Max got married and took a spouse’s surname.

You should tell her: “Please refer to ‘Max’ as ‘Max.’ That’s their name.” If she forgets, remind her.

And,  yes, give Max a heads-up. Max can decide how little they wish to care about your sister’s views, and I suggest that you carry on, whistling past your sister’s nonsense until her visit ends. As you rightly point out, this is “not your problem.”

I recently watched an informative and compassionate TED Talk primer on the topic of growing up non-binary. I highly recommend that you send a link to your sister: “Walking through the world non-binary,” by Jesse Lueck, which is available on YouTube.

Dear Amy: I am a married woman, and I’m 60 years old.

My husband and I have not had sex in over two years.

I keep hearing about people in their 60s having so much fun and sex.

My husband takes blood pressure medication and this has been hard on our sex life.

Here is the thing: A former friend of mine has been communicating with me via Facebook. He and I have been flirting with each other, but we live in different cities.

He has told me that he wishes I was not married because he would come to town and sweep me off my feet.

He is so funny and caring and we talk via FB Messenger a lot.

I think about having sex with him all the time, and he says the same thing.

Is that wrong? What am I to do?

Anxiously Awaiting

Dear Awaiting: I’m sorry you are experiencing this challenge in your marriage. Is your constant communication with this other person and the sharing of thoughts and fantasies wrong?

How would you feel if you were impaired or ill, and your husband did what you are doing?

Fantasy can be wonderful and life-affirming. You should not deny yourself that! You might even be able to take some of this energy back to your marriage. But this relationship presents a fairly slippery slope for you, and has started to interfere with your emotional connection with your husband.

Be aware.

Dear Amy: “Childless Not by Choice” was a young woman who had changed her mind about having children.

When I was 42, I started dating a 29-year-old man. I told him upfront, very early in our relationship, that I didn’t want children. He decided that he was OK with it.

Several years later, he changed his mind and ended our relationship.

I remember thinking: “What was I thinking, asking a 29-year-old man to make that kind of decision?”

I should’ve known better!

Childless by Choice

Dear Childless: This is a very understanding response.

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You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.

As the Ravens trudged off the practice fields in Owings Mills last month, headed for their summer break, it was easy to imagine what the team could be in January but harder to project who it might have in September.

The Ravens’ top offensive tackle was missing. So were their top two running backs. And one of their starting cornerbacks. And their starting nose tackle, their most productive outside linebacker, their second-round pick — to name just a few injured contributors unavailable at mandatory minicamp.

With training camp less than a month away, the strengths and weaknesses of the Ravens roster are, in some cases, open to interpretation. How much faith can you put in a position still reeling from last year’s catastrophic injury bug? A lot can and will change before Week 1. For now, though, here’s a look at where the groups rank — special teams not included — from weakest to strongest.

10. Wide receiver

The Ravens’ top wide receiver, Rashod Bateman, had a promising but injury-marred rookie year (46 catches for 515 yards in 12 games). Their oldest receiver, 25-year-old James Proche II, has recorded a catch in just six career games. Their most experienced wideout, Devin Duvernay, has never eclipsed 45 receiving yards in a game. Their only other projected contributor, Tylan Wallace, was primarily a special teams contributor as a rookie, finishing with two catches for 23 yards.

After the departure of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, the Ravens will have plenty of snaps to go around. But entering training camp, this group’s potential far exceeds its production.

9. Outside linebacker

On paper, this is the Ravens’ most talented collection of edge rushers in years. In practice, the position’s depth is paper-thin. Tyus Bowser, who led the team with seven sacks last season, is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and might not be ready by Week 1. Second-round pick David Ojabo tore his Achilles in March and might not play at all this season.

Odafe Oweh, who underwent shoulder surgery after an impressive rookie year, was limited in offseason workouts but should be full-go in training camp. Same goes for Daelin Hayes, who barely played last season after a strong offseason. But with the sudden death of Jaylon Ferguson, and with the Ravens yet to add a big-name free agent, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald will have to hope for quick recoveries and a healthy preseason. Even with a promising core, the group’s margin for error is slim.

8. Inside linebacker

Josh Bynes and Patrick Queen were solid run defenders in their first year together, but neither saw regular action on obvious passing downs. They were also nonfactors in the Ravens’ pass rush, finishing with a combined four sacks and nine pressures. Can first-year inside linebackers coach Zachary Orr help take their partnership to another level?

With the Detroit Lions signing Chris Board this offseason, the Ravens’ depth at the position is somewhat tenuous. Malik Harrison entered offseason workouts as a candidate to cross-train at outside linebacker, though he lined up primarily inside. Kristian Welch has played sparingly on defense over his first two years in Baltimore. Behind them are a handful of undrafted free agents, including Navy’s Diego Fagot.

7. Running back

By year’s end, the Ravens could have one of the NFL’s best running back rooms. But if the season started in August, their top two options would likely be Mike Davis, a well-traveled veteran who averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season, and Tyler Badie, an undersized rookie whom the Ravens drafted in the sixth round.

Davis and Badie, along with a healthy Justice Hill, can contribute this year. But for as long as J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are sidelined by knee rehabilitations, the Ravens’ ground game will be suboptimal. Dobbins led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 2020 (6 yards per carry) and showed growth as a receiver last summer. Edwards, one of the NFL’s best short-yardage backs, averaged at least 5 yards per carry in each of his first three seasons in Baltimore.

6. Offensive line

The right side of the Ravens’ line should keep quarterback Lamar Jackson happy, and upright. At center is rookie Tyler Linderbaum, whose athletic ability opens up offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s playbook. Kevin Zeitler was one of the NFL’s best right guards in his first year in Baltimore. Right tackle Morgan Moses is a reliable pass protector and well suited for the Ravens’ hard-driving rushing attack.

On the left side, though, there’s uncertainty. If Ronnie Stanley’s ankle problems persist, the Ravens could turn to the versatile Patrick Mekari. Ja’Wuan James is another option, though his injury history and inexperience at left tackle could be difficult to overcome. At left guard, the Ravens have a handful of young options — Tyre Phillips, Ben Cleveland and Ben Powers — but no clear front-runner. Rookie Daniel Faalele needs more time before he’s ready to contribute.

5. Defensive line

Running against the Ravens’ defensive front won’t be easy. Michael Pierce should be an upgrade at nose tackle over Brandon Williams. Calais Campbell graded out as one of Pro Football Focus’ top run-stuffing linemen last season. Justin Madubuike is quick enough to beat zone-blocking schemes and strong enough to take on double teams. Brent Urban and Broderick Washington are more-than-capable reserves.

The challenge for the line, once again, will be generating a pass rush. Rookie Travis Jones has intriguing potential, Madubuike has shown flashes of brilliance and Campbell is determined to reach 100 career sacks. But if the Ravens’ edge rushers struggle, an interior push could be hard to find.

4. Cornerback

The Ravens entered training camp last year with enviable depth at cornerback, only to watch it crumble over the next few months. This year, they’re counting on similar quality and better injury luck. Marlon Humphrey has already returned from a season-ending pectoral injury and should bounce back from a disappointing 2021. Marcus Peters, whose ongoing recovery from a torn ACL has impressed Ravens officials, is expected to rejoin him at some point.

Whoever’s out there should have plenty of help. Brandon Stephens lined up everywhere in the secondary as a rookie and should take another step forward in 2022. Kyle Fuller, a Baltimore native, has a history of takeaways. Rookies Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion “Pepe” Williams have both impressed and Kevon Seymour played nearly 250 defensive snaps last season.

3. Tight end/fullback

The Ravens have a Pro Bowl fullback in Patrick Ricard, and it’s fair to wonder just where they’ll need him this season. Such is the Ravens’ depth at tight end. Mark Andrews broke the Ravens’ single-season receiving record last season (107 catches for 1,361 yards) and emerged as one of the NFL’s top playmakers. Nick Boyle, when healthy, gives the offense a versatile blocker who can present as a big target over the middle. Ricard’s game has become more well-rounded every season in Baltimore.

They’ll all have young talents pushing them. Rookies Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar both flashed in offseason workouts, and Josh Oliver is a solid reserve. Andrews is irreplaceable, but the Ravens have a well-stocked group behind him.

2. Quarterback

As long as Jackson’s under contract and healthy, the Ravens will feel good about their starting quarterback. He impressed at mandatory minicamp and pledged to get together with his receivers during the team’s offseason hiatus. That’s all you can ask for from a potential NFL Most Valuable Player in July — well, maybe some progress in contract negotiations, too.

Tyler Huntley didn’t need long to prove his ability as a backup last year. He might not be good enough to lead the Ravens to victory, but he can be trusted not to throw a game away.

1. Safety

When the Ravens’ options for their two starting safeties are a playmaking center fielder (Marcus Williams), a respected and reliable signal-caller (Chuck Clark) and a first-round pick who might ultimately be better than both (Kyle Hamilton), maybe it’s time to consider starting three. Even if Clark is traded away before the season opener, the secondary would still have two safeties whose range in coverage and ability in run defense make them essentially interchangeable.

Their backups aren’t bad, either. Tony Jefferson has seemingly turned around his career in his return to Baltimore, and he picked off two of Jackson’s passes on the first day of minicamp. Geno Stone has starting experience and played over 20% of the defense’s snaps last season. A foot injury ended Ar’Darius Washington’s quiet rookie season, but he was promising enough to make the Ravens’ initial 53-man roster.

()

A way for dismayed voters in the middle to get a voice.

Americans are increasingly living in areas that are either much richer or much poorer than the regional norm.

Thanks to Jamaican seasonal workers, the taste of Cape Cod now extends beyond the known lineup of Yankee favorites, to golden patties, jerk-rubbed meats and turmeric-rich curries.

Representative Mayra Flores is one of three Republican Latinas vying to transform South Texas politics by shunning moderates and often embracing the extreme.

Beijing is giving incentives to stem a demographic crisis, but its control over childbirth and its suppression of women’s rights are making it difficult for some aspiring parents to start a family.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been feeling overwhelmed by work, family, bills — everything. Recently, I have developed a skin rash that I feel certain is due to my nerves.

Harriette Cole 

Whenever I start thinking about all of the responsibilities I have and what I am juggling as the eldest in a family of people who do not have their stuff together, I begin to itch.

It’s awful. I have scratched the skin on my arm and ankle raw. When I was a kid, I had eczema, but that was so long ago. I’m worried that it has come back.

I don’t have time to go to a dermatologist, though. It’s hard enough to get an appointment for the regular doctor. Just thinking about what to do is giving me anxiety.

Do you have any ideas?

Itchy

DEAR ITCHY: You need to see a doctor. Your primary care physician may be able to help you, or you might even try a walk-in facility. Do your best to see a medical professional at once.

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Explain your situation thoroughly, and show the evidence. It could be as simple as getting a prescription for a soothing ointment, or you may find you need other support.

On your own, build self-care activities into your schedule. Can you take a daily walk, even if it’s short? Add more water to your routine.

Pick a hobby that can occupy some of your attention. Carve out some alone time when you feel less pressure to perform. Slowly deal with each of your duties so that you can get a handle on things.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a neighbor with two young children. She is sweet, and so are they. I am single with no kids.

Occasionally, my neighbor invites me over to visit with her and her family. That’s fine for a few minutes, but I mostly like to be by myself.

Recently, she knocked on my door and asked if I would watch her kids for a few minutes while she went to the grocery store to pick up some food. How could I say no? She was gone for nearly an hour, which was hard for me. I have hardly ever spent time around kids.

She was grateful. I thought that was that. But she has since asked me a few more times to watch her kids.

I do not want to make this a habit. I like my peace when I get home from work. I can be neighborly up to a point, but I am not interested in being a babysitter. How can I tell her without hurting her feelings?

Boundaries

DEAR BOUNDARIES: You have to speak to her directly. Let her know that you like her and her family, but you are not a babysitter and do not feel comfortable with that responsibility. Acknowledge that you know she needs help from time to time. Figure out how you can help differently.

For example, when you go to the grocery store, ask her what she needs. Perhaps you can pick up a few items for her so that she doesn’t need to run out and leave her kids with you.

Also, while it seems like a terrible imposition right now, try to look at this moment in time with fresh eyes. Your intermittent support of this young family means the world to her and may not be too inconvenient for you on occasion. Think about it.

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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.

Numerous federal agencies agree that widely promoted falsehoods threaten the nation’s security. Doing something about them is another matter.

Researchers are trying to figure out the right hour of the day to do everything. Can their studies sync us up with better health?

Caustic fights over which books belong on the shelves have put librarians at the center of a bitter and widening culture war.

Michelle Goldberg and Ross Douthat on what comes next for Democrats and Republicans.

Two conservative critiques of the administrative state are in contradiction with each other.