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DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been on the dating scene for quite some time now, and the rumors are true -- no one is perfect. It's been a harrowing few years since my last relationship, and I've tried blind dates, the apps, meeting friends of a friend, you know the deal. I finally met someone the good old-fashioned way: on accident, in person, at church. I've been attending for a few months now, and I met a guy there who is nearly perfect -- he makes me laugh, he's emotionally intelligent, romantic and kind, and he loves his job.

As our relationship continues to flourish, though, I can't get past the fact that his breath could use some improvement. See? Nearly but not totally perfect. I tried to write it in the least offensive way, and it still sounds awful! How can I possibly have this conversation with him without hurting his feelings or damaging what we've cultivated so far? -- Almost Perfect

DEAR ALMOST PERFECT: This is a tough and extremely sensitive topic, but it is important to address. Usually when people have bad breath, it has to do with basic dental hygiene -- brushing and flossing regularly -- or an underlying health condition or what they eat. In all instances, people are often oblivious about the state of their mouths.

How can you bring it up? Gingerly. You may say that you have noticed that his breath often has a smell, and you were wondering if he has any dental issues. He might get defensive, but press a little. Describe the smell and tell him you are concerned. Suggest that he go to the dentist to just check on the health of his teeth and gums.

While awkward, this is important. If you plan to be with him for the long term, you want to find out the cause of the odor and deal with it.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been an athlete all my life. I've been training with professional scouts who think I have a real chance at being drafted come April. Because I play a more expendable position, my spot is not exactly secured, and in the event that I am drafted, my position has a high turnover rate. I'm currently in college, and this is a lot to consider. My parents want me to abandon my sports dreams because they don't see it as a long-term career. They also don't think it's worth dropping out of school to pursue. They think I should enjoy my last two years of collegiate sports and move on. I have been dying to get to a point where I get to play professionally for however long it lasts, but I also worry about the cost of this dream. Should I hold out and reenter the draft once I finish college, or should I take my chances now if given the opportunity, even if that means abandoning my education? -- School or Sports

DEAR SCHOOL OR SPORTS: This is a tough decision, but it's not the end of the world. Many people finish college a bit later in life. If you want this, go for it. See what happens if you give it your all. Even if it doesn't last forever, you will have given it a try. You can go back to college and finish the last two years when you retire from your professional career. This doesn't have to be an either-or situation.

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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.