DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a remote intern for a company based on the West Coast. I am in college on the East Coast, and I feel so lucky to have this opportunity. I have worked and interned all throughout high school and college.

As I am heading into my final semesters in college, I am realizing I feel like I have missed out on the “college experience.” On a typical weekend, I’ll be flown out to a conference or exhausted from my work and school week. It seems like all my fellow students will be out in a fraternity house somewhere, drinking beer and being carefree.

I used to feel like I was paving a pathway to success for myself by starting to work on my career so early, but now I just feel like I became an adult too quickly. I still have some time at school and am not sure how to use it. Should I quit all of my professional responsibilities and let loose for a year? I used to feel confident in my life’s path, but I realize I threw fun and youth to the side. – Workhorse, Syracuse, New York

DEAR WORKHORSE: Sounds like you are experiencing burnout. Maybe what you need is a breather. That may look like a vacation during spring break where you go and have fun with your friends or take off from your various job responsibilities.

This does not mean that you should quit your jobs and throw caution to the wind. The working world is highly competitive, and you are doing a smart thing to get a leg up in anticipation of graduation.

Hanging out, drinking beer and being carefree is overrated. Many young people get caught up in bad situations from those conditions. You are doing all right – even better, actually!

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always been taught to bring offerings to a home when I am invited for a dinner or housewarming party. I feel like I have done my part in being polite by bringing flowers or household knickknacks. How long do these niceties have to last? I have been bringing flowers or dessert to the house of one of my friends for over a year! – Expiration on Niceties, Denver

DEAR EXPIRATION ON NICETIES: I invite you to change your thinking. It’s not so much a requirement that you always bring a gift, but it is thoughtful. Each time you visit, doesn’t your friend offer you food, drink and a lovely environment in which to spend time together? Your offering is an expression of gratitude for your friend’s generosity.

That said, you do not have to bring something every single time in the same way. You may want to step in a little closer as a friend and ask in advance if she needs anything. Find out what would be helpful for you to bring. That way, you aren’t stuck trying to dream something up. And if your friend tells you not to bring anything, you can accept that and just come – at least sometimes.

— 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.