Dear Annie: I recently separated from my husband, and we are in the process of a divorce. The relationship was a bit toxic. But it was my choice to leave, and I left for my own mental health, as I struggle with anxiety and depression and self-esteem issues.

I have reconnected with a man I dated a few years ago. He is so sweet, and he has told me he has always loved me. I told him I wanted to take things slow. But he was so amazing I found myself falling hard. We made plans a couple of times to go out of town for a weekend, but then I wouldn’t hear from him on those days we were going to go out. I would hear from him on that Sunday, and he would tell me things like, “My sister needed me,” or, “A friend got in a fight, and I had to help him.” But after that, he would message me several times a day every day.

Another weekend he went missing, I was very worried, thinking the worst. He then told me he had an addiction problem with crack that has been going on and off for 20 years. He said he stopped for many years but then, one day, he started again. He is going to meetings and getting help and is determined to beat it. My concern is I’ve done some research, and it doesn’t look good. I’ve read that addicts will tell lies and do whatever they possibly can to get what they want.

I’m so scared. I honestly believe he is a good person and he means it when he says he wants to get clean. But I see a therapist for my mental health issues and she has said that it is a very bad idea to get involved with him; since I just got out of a toxic relationship, I shouldn’t enter a new one with a guy that is too dealing with so many issues. Part of me knows she’s right, but the other part tells me he can get past this and we can be happy together. Please tell me what to do. — Cracked

Dear Cracked: Choosing to get involved with somebody struggling with addiction would be choosing a treacherous and painful path. You have to know what you’re signing up for.

Tell your quasi-boyfriend that you are not prepared for a relationship unless and until he receives the help he needs. Until then, cut ties. Yes, recovery is a long shot, but stranger things have happened.

Dear Annie: I am writing in response to “Trying To Heal,” who is struggling to forgive her abusive mother. I am in a similar situation and found the book “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget” by Lysa TerKeurst. It gave me a great perspective on why some people act the way they do and how to go about forgiving them, even when they aren’t sorry for what they did. I highly recommend! — Been There, Felt That

Dear Been There: Thank you for the helpful resource; I’m sure that many readers can benefit from the wisdom this book has to offer.

Dear Annie: There’s a lot that you and your family can do to alleviate anxiety during these stressful times, especially as we face the potential for an expanding war beyond Ukraine. There are new weapons in play now: cyberattacks, the use of economic sanctions and the expansion of warfare into space.

Using my past experience as emergency services coordinator for the cities I’ve worked in, I’m alleviating my own anxiety by going down my preparedness checklist. I’d like to share this with your readers. Even if my fears don’t materialize, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for long-term power outages and natural disasters.

Earthquakes, floods, fires, broken economies and other man-made disasters can hit at any time. Our power grids are particularly vulnerable. There can be power outages and loss of communication capabilities, even if war doesn’t materialize. Such outages occur in any natural disaster. At minimum, people should be prepared to be on their own without any outside aid for at least 72 hours.

I’m making sure I have flashlights with fresh batteries, some way to cook meals, my medicines, some stockpiled food and water, ways to keep warm, a working battery-powered radio, a way to access funds, ready cash in small denominations, and small items to barter with.

As for an extra supply of food, I don’t recommend buying expensive “disaster food,” which usually sits unused until it expires and is unusable when you may need it. Instead, stock up on nonperishable food you would normally eat anyway, such as rice, noodles and canned goods. Then eat them as you routinely would so that you are continuously cycling in fresh supplies.

It helps to have an evacuation plan, if you don’t expect to stay where you are. Have an alternative place to stay. Gas pumps don’t work in power outages. Keep your gas tank topped off, and don’t let it get below a quarter of a tank. Keep a gasoline-siphoning device, gas can and jumper cables in your car. Keep your vehicle(s) in good working order.

If you have a camper or camping gear, that’s great; have it ready to go. Have alternate routes planned out ahead of time and paper maps because your smartphone or geolocator may not be working. Don’t wait until the last minute to leave because you’ll just be stuck in traffic, and some traffic lanes may be closed for emergency vehicle use only. Have a contact outside your area where your distant relatives can check on your status and you on theirs.

There’s a lot that neighborhoods and local communities can do to prepare for any disaster. Check with your local community’s emergency services coordinator (usually at the Fire Department) to find out if they have any publications on preparedness for local residents. Enroll in CPR classes, consider volunteering and training for search and rescue, etc. — Alleviating Anxiety Through Action

Dear Alleviating Anxiety: Thank you for your helpful suggestions for being prepared for potential disasters. It is always great to hear from people who have worked in the profession they are talking about.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.