DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a few days late in my cycle. This never happens to me, so I am definitely worried. Even worse, if I were pregnant, I have two possible “baby daddies.” There’s just no way I could explain this to my ex and someone I thought I’d never have to see again. If I turn out to be pregnant, how do I approach this very sensitive topic? – Father 1, Father 2, Jackson, Mississippi

DEAR FATHER 1, FATHER 2: Find out immediately if you are pregnant. There is no need for wondering. Take a test – now! If you are pregnant, you have to decide how to handle the news. Ask your doctor how long it will take before you can determine the paternity of a child, but know that it is not instant. You are going to have to deal with the uncertainty well before this child comes into the world.

You must decide what you want. Obviously, you were confused in your relationship choices at the time of conception, or you would not have the question of who the father is. Right now, you need to assess what you want. Who would you want to build a life with? Would either man be willing to raise this child with you if the child were not his? Does either of you want a child? You have to assess that. No matter what, do not lie. Sort it all out with honesty and as much dignity as you can muster, speaking to each man individually. If possible, leave names out of it.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I have turned into the goto caretaker for my friend when she gets too drunk. No one else wants to deal with her intoxicated ways, so I usually end up getting a call at least once a weekend. My friend “Jenna” means a lot to me, but when I always have to take care of her, it ruins the fun for me. I would never not come to help (she could be in an unsafe position), but I want to make her understand that her excessive drinking gives me mediocre nights because I feel like a parent to her. – 21 and No Fun, Cleveland

DEAR 21 AND NO FUN: It is time for you to draw the line for your own sanity, and for your life. Your friend needs professional help, which you cannot offer. Right now, you are enabling her by watching out and scooping her up when she falls apart. It is time for you to tell her that you are no longer willing to be her rescuer. That means you have to stop going out with her until she gets her act together. Explain that she will either need to stop her irresponsible behavior or find someone else to answer her late-night calls.

Then you have to be willing to hold your ground. Alcoholics are living with a disease that often spurs them to irrational behavior. To support your extraction from this situation, consider visiting Al-Anon meetings (al-anon.org). Al- Anon offers free meetings designed to help the loved ones of people who are dealing with alcoholism.

— 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.