DEAR ABBY: I hired a cleaning lady who came well-recommended. At first I was pleased, as she did what needed to be done.
Now I have discovered that some nice pieces of jewelry are missing. She is the only person, other than my husband of 54 years, who has been in the upstairs of our home. I have no proof that she took these items of jewelry.
Should I talk to her about this, or should I just tell her I no longer need her? How should I handle this? -- MRS. B. IN SAN FRANCISCO
DEAR MRS. B.: By all means talk to your housekeeper. Explain that you can't find the missing jewelry. (Speaking from personal experience, I have put an object down while my mind was on something else -- particularly reading glasses, which often seem to mysteriously migrate.) Ask her if she can help you locate the missing pieces of jewelry. If they don't turn up, it's time to call the police and file a report.