DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I bought a fixer-upper the beginning of this year. It really has needed a lot of work and as I save up the money, I hire people to do the work I can’t.

My dad has always been pretty handy and helps out where he can and has saved me some money, but there are areas, like electrical and plumbing problems that he can’t tackle. I do appreciate his help, but now that he’s semi-retired, he decided he can serve as my general contractor and manage the pros when they come to do their work. In the past couple months, his interference has chased off some of people I hired, and I have had to start all over again, at my added expense.

How do I get Dad to take a step back, without hurting his feelings, so I can get the work done that needs to get done, especially with the winter coming? I don’t want to start sneaking behind his back, but I am considering it. --- DON’T WANT TO HURT DAD’S FEELINGS

DEAR DON’T WANT TO HURT DAD’S FEELINGS: I’ve heard tales before about what happens when homeowners decide to be their own general contractors. In your case, your dad assigned himself that role, and since he is capable in many areas, he may be slow to recognize his own limits.

To stop letting him know when some of the work is scheduled might prove more hurtful than being gently honest with him. You should explain to him that you truly appreciate all he’s done for you, and that you anticipate there will be plenty more projects for him as your home continues to be renovated ─ but that when it comes to projects beyond his scope of experience and ability, for which you’re laying out your own money, you really need him to bow out and let the professionals do their thing.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I’m supposed to take my fiancé to her high school best friend’s wedding. She is in the wedding party, but I am not. She keeps telling me I have to rent a tux or buy a new suit and I tell her I don’t need to do either. Which one of us is right? --- A DRESS DOWN GUY

DEAR DRESS DOWN GUY: While the tux may be a little over-the-top, I’d say the suit, or at least a decent sports jacket and dress slacks are in order, especially since you’re both engaged to and accompanying a member of the wedding party. Although it’s an outside chance, it’s not impossible you may be pulled into some of the extended family formal photos.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: For the second year I have the same professor for one of my classes. I need this course for my major and this professor is the only one who teaches it at my school. I know it isn’t just my imagination, because other people have said they notice it too that my professor is coming on to me. I find it creepy, especially since he’s an older guy with a wife and kids. I don’t know what to do since he is an assistant chair of my department and I’m afraid if I report him he’ll take it out on me and my grades. What should I do? --- UNHAPPY TEACHER’S PET

DEAR UNHAPPY: If you have any doubts, then you could either just ride out the rest of the semester, taking constant care not to put yourself in any potentially compromising situations with him.

If, on the other hand, you’re 100 percent certain your professor is pursuing you, you need to consider taking your concerns to either the dean of the school, or if your college has one, the dean of students or office of student affairs.

Another tool you have at your disposal is ratemyprofessors.com and/or whatever faculty review system you school uses. From what I’ve heard, the powers that be do pay attention to what’s shared by students, especially when it’s in the school’s best interest.