DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a single girlfriend who is always flirting with people. I think she is inappropriate sometimes. I saw her at work the other day, and she called everybody "Baby," "Darling" and "Sweetheart." I think she thinks this is cute, but I feel pretty confident that somebody might find it offensive. I know she wants to seem young and hip, even though she is approaching 50. She is going about it in a sucky kind of way. As her friend, I want to tell her how I feel, but I am sensitive to the fact that she is single and I am married. I don't want to come off like I'm a know-it-all or anything. I want her to be happy. But speaking to adult professionals in this manner could backfire on her, plus it's doubtful that it will get her a date. How can I support her? -- How to Be a Friend, Memphis, Tenn.
DEAR HOW TO BE A FRIEND: Flirting is one thing. Speaking in what could be considered sexist terms is another entirely. You should caution her about using such "niceties" to talk to professionals. Tell her that she could get in real trouble if someone who works for her dislikes this type of moniker.
As far as her general flirting with men, that's her business. Do not make the mistake of telling her how to find a man. You do not know what will work for her or if she will find a partner at all. Let her manage that part of her life.