DEAR HARRIETTE: I took my son to go ice skating the other day, and we ran into another family from his school. While the children skated, the husband and I got to talking. Quickly, the conversation turned to politics. It was an interesting conversation, but it was also really intense. We do not share the same political views, and both of us worked hard to defend our positions. Later, I wondered if that was appropriate. We solved nothing. I guess it was clear that both of us plan to vote, but I’m wondering what one should do in a situation like that. Should I talk politics with other parents at my kid’s school? – Not Mum, Denver

DEAR NOT MUM: I am all for people having as many conversations as they can about the political landscape, provided they are paying attention and are not just mouthing off. The stakes are high in the presidential race. Yes, the field is still broad, and there is no telling who will become our next president. But, given that the person will be the president for all of us, shouldn’t we all have a stake in picking him or her? I think Americans tend to be far too apathetic about the political process. So my vote is for all of us to get educated about the issues and talk about what we are learning with one another. Let’s become an informed electorate.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I have what seems to be a stalker on Facebook. This person has written me notes here and there over the years – always direct messages that are pleasant in tone. I noticed over the holidays that there was a new message from her. I replied simply by saying “Happy New Year.” What came next was a request to meet to talk about ideas. I have no desire to meet this person. Pleasant notes via the Internet do not make fast friendships. I don’t want to be rude, but I truly have no time or interest in meeting up with her. How do I beg off gracefully? – Crossing the Line, Raleigh, North Carolina

DEAR CROSSING THE LINE: Be honest and upfront. Thank the person for the invitation but say you will not be able to meet. Be mindful not to put a time limit on this, because she can easily ask, “Well, when can you meet?” If you get that response, tactfully draw the line. Thank her again for her kind words, and tell her that you are sorry, but you will not be taking her up on her offer to meet. After that, you can stop communicating with her. If she continues to send you messages and they become disturbing, you can block her so that she can no longer visit your page. I would do that only if she becomes a threat. Your clarity about not meeting with her could be enough for her to back off.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.