{"id":3710,"date":"2026-07-04T09:06:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T09:06:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=3710"},"modified":"2026-07-04T09:06:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T09:06:33","slug":"harriette-cole-am-i-brat-for-wanting-to-sell-my-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=3710","title":{"rendered":"Harriette Cole: Am I brat for wanting to sell my car?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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DEAR HARRIETTE<\/strong>: Am I being a brat for wanting to sell my car?<\/p>\n

I\u2019m a college student in a major city, and I don\u2019t need a car to get around. I live right by trains and bus stops and get around either on foot or via public transportation.<\/p>\n

Read more Miss Manners: My husband objects to my discreet lotion use in restaurants<\/a><\/p>\n

I have a car back home and would like to sell it for extra cash, but my family says I have no right to do that since it was a gift. Since I\u2019ve been away, it\u2019s just been sitting there, and I feel like it would be more beneficial for me to sell it.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your opinion? Do you think I\u2019m being selfish for wanting to sell my car?<\/p>\n

\u2014 Selfish Student<\/em><\/p>\n

DEAR SELFISH STUDENT<\/strong>: This is tricky. On one hand, it is your car. If the title is in your name, that means you can do whatever you want with it.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, later in life you may want to use the car. Your family could be looking ahead.<\/p>\n

That said, if no one uses it at all, it probably will not be functional the next time you try to use it. Cars need to be driven and maintained.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Regarding its being a gift, tread lightly. If you are willing to cause a family rift for a few dollars, sell. If you think it will cause long-term hurt feelings, evaluate if the dollars you pocket will be worth the grief.<\/p>\n

DEAR HARRIETTE<\/strong>: It\u2019s the 250th anniversary of our country, and I am so torn. In my lifetime, I have not felt more disconnected from my patriotism.<\/p>\n

I love my country \u2014 don\u2019t get me wrong \u2014 but I feel like we are terribly divided. The rift between the haves and have-nots is growing, and there seems to be a growing trend to annihilate people of color.<\/p>\n

Read more Dear Abby: Nothing\u2019s ever my husband\u2019s fault, and now he\u2019s in trouble at work<\/a><\/p>\n

How can I be proud to be an American when who I am keeps being challenged by people, even though I was born here just like them?<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

\u2014 Want To Be Patriotic<\/em><\/p>\n

DEAR WANT TO BE PATRIOTIC:<\/strong> Our country was founded on solid principles that also faced compromise. You may know that some of our Founding Fathers owned slaves. That means the notion that \u201call men are created equal\u201d was a philosophy, but one only put in practice for some.<\/p>\n

I mention this not to upset you, but to point out that philosophy and practice have always been at war with each other.<\/p>\n

So, what can you do today? Engage in meaningful dialogue with people about what you consider patriotism to be. Talk about the values on which this country was founded, those that you admire and those that could stand a bit of polishing. Put yourself in situations where people are willing to talk respectfully and address their differences. To make ours a \u201cmore perfect union\u201d requires the people to stand up, speak up and be willing to fight for justice for all.<\/p>\n

You can choose how you will do that, but do something. That could mean talking to people who don\u2019t share your ideological beliefs to see if you can come to an understanding of each other. It could mean you should enter local politics. Or write about your thoughts in the local newspaper. Educate your family on our country\u2019s history, both good and challenging.<\/p>\n

Just don\u2019t put your head in the sand. Your brain and brilliance are important.<\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Read more Four questions Warriors need to answer during summer league<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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