DEAR ABBY: My husband and I own a coloring business. We color unicorns and rainbows and other pictures. They are beautiful and sell well.
Recently, my mother-in-law started begging us to let her join our team. Abby, I'm sure she would do fine and that she could color within the lines, but we do not need any help.
My husband suggested hiring her to run errands -- to buy crayons and coloring books, perhaps -- but I doubt she would be satisfied with that. I love our company as it is now. What do you think we should do? -- COLORING FOR YOU
DEAR C.F.Y.: Because you love your company "as it is now," do not hire your mother-in-law to fill a job that doesn't need filling. To do so would be a recipe for disaster, because getting rid of her would cause lasting hard feelings. Instead, you and your husband should explain that "the company" doesn't need another colorist right now, and see if you can help her find a part-time job elsewhere if she needs money or has time to fill.