DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I took our 10-year-old son to sleepaway camp for the first time, and it was difficult to let him go. We have never been away from him for more than a night when he has gone for a sleepover at a friend's house down the street. Now he is going to be away for two weeks. He is thrilled, as he should be. We know that he will be OK, but we will miss him terribly.

The problem, though, is us. We've done hardly anything together since our son was born. We used to go on dates and enjoy our marriage. That seems to have died long ago. I worry about how we are going to spend our time together. In the past, when we weren't working, we could have fun together. The thing is, we don't have fun these days -- these years, in fact. We bicker a lot. How can we turn a squabbling time into something fun for us as a couple? -- Boringly Married, Cambridge, Massachusetts

DEAR BORINGLY MARRIED: Could you possibly be ready for what some call the "Come to Jesus" meeting, when you lay your cards on the table and talk about your marriage? If you bicker all the time and can't imagine life with your husband without your child, chances are you will end up either without each other or miserable when the time comes that your son moves away.

If you have the courage, go for it and figure out how to have a heartfelt conversation with your husband about your life. Rather than threatening him, consider staging an activity that you both will enjoy. Think about your shared interests and plan a fun date. Before that date ends -- and when you are sober -- tell your husband that you want to refresh your relationship. Tell him you love him and want to figure out where your happiness lies today.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I met a young woman in the lunchroom at my job. She was so happy and personable that we struck up a conversation. It turns out she has worked at my company for just a few months. She is bright but doesn't have her act together. She was dressed like she was going to a dance rather than to work. She also had pretty bad grammar for someone in the role she was hired to do. I am afraid that if she doesn't polish up her act, she will be fired. I want to help her, but she does not work for me. What can I do? -- Concerned Corporate Vet, New York City

DEAR CONCERNED CORPORATE VET: This may be your lucky day -- and hers. You sound like a mentor in the making. A mentor is someone who shares knowledge and insight with someone who is climbing the ranks, who has potential but can use some guidance. A mentor offers that input in ways that can be heard and imbibed. Seek this young woman out and offer to support her in this way. Then get to work!

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter, who is in the fifth grade, has two suitors. No, I'm not kidding. She came home to tell me how uncomfortable she was because she wasn't sure how to talk to both boys at the same time. They were all at a birthday party recently, and the boys were vying for her attention. She says it was fun, but also a little weird, because she likes one boy but doesn't want to hurt the other one's feelings. I felt so happy that she came to me with this situation. I want to be able to help her, but I also know that she has to learn herself how to handle boys' attention. What should I tell her? -- Growing Up, Baltimore

DEAR GROWING UP: Welcome to the wonderful world of dating -- well, more accurately, welcome to the world of attraction. While you cannot give your daughter a prescription for how to navigate these two boys as they talk to her, you can give your guidance. First, let her know that it is very nice that the boys find her interesting. She should consider that a positive. She should remember to treat them, and others, as she would like to be treated. That may mean paying attention when one is talking to her, responding to questions when asked, participating in dialogue -- basically being present. When one boy interrupts another, she can attempt to manage that by saying, "Hold on, let X finish what he was saying." Then she can turn to the other after he is finished. Let her know that it is much easier to communicate one-on-one with boys, especially when they are attracted to her. Finally, she should be mindful not to ignore the one she does not favor. Remain cordial to everyone. They can still be friends.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently I haven't felt like getting out of bed or doing anything. I just feel blah. I have been struggling for so long to recover from losing my job two years ago. I do freelance work, but often I am broke. I can hardly pay my bills, and I'm always negotiating with a creditor to not cut me off because I'm late. I'm tired of all of it and just want to hide. I know I'm smart, but that hasn't gotten me anywhere. I feel like I just want to move back home with my parents, even though I'm an adult. Maybe if I don't have the pressure of so many bills, it might be easier for me to get my act together. They offered, but I'm afraid. What should I do? -- Near the Brink, Seattle

DEAR NEAR THE BRINK: You may be suffering from depression. I highly recommend that you get some mental health support right now, before you pick up and do anything. Talk to a professional who can help you sort through your thoughts. You can call Crisis Clinic at 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747).

The struggle of losing a job and attempting unsuccessfully to rebuild your life can take its toll. I wouldn't rule out moving back home, even if it is temporary. If you can shave away bills, that may help you to focus on finding a job without some of the financial pressure.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a third-year associate at a law firm and have been working closely with a partner on an upcoming case. He is in his early 30s and is not married. I think I have feelings for him, and I'm pretty sure he has feelings for me. Would it be completely unprofessional to tell him how I feel, or even go on a date? I value and love my job and have the utmost respect for my fellow workers, but I also think I owe it to myself to explore this relationship. We wouldn't have to tell anyone about our relationship. What do you think I should do? -- A Case of Love, Atlanta

DEAR A CASE OF LOVE: Is there an employee handbook at your company? If so, take a look to see if there is a policy on employee dating. If there is no restriction, I suggest you proceed with caution. While it is wise to be discreet about any relationship that may develop between you, know that someone will figure it out. The electric energy that exists between people who like each other, especially at the beginning of a relationship, is detectable, even when they are attempting to rendezvous secretly.

If you two decide to date, do so off premises. Keep your professional relationship professional. Do your jobs in a focused, respectful manner. Make your job performance above reproach. Agree on the front end that if you do decide to date and the day comes that the relationship ends or that you experience conflict, that you will continue to be respectful and mature. Give it a chance -- with your eyes wide open.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a 4-year old son who is a picky eater. I try to feed him healthy foods like broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, but he's having none of it! All he wants to eat is pasta, pizza and sweets. I want him to have a balanced diet, and I'm nervous that if he doesn't start now, he never will have one. How can I start to incorporate healthy foods into his diet so he'll eat them? -- Son of a Gun, Dallas

DEAR SON OF A GUN: Stop bringing so many carbohydrates and sweets into your home. Have healthy options that look good but that are wise food choices. For instance, cut up carrots in fun designs. Make shakes that include fruits and vegetables. You can hide dark, leafy greens in fruit and present a smoothie!

Be clear with your son that he cannot only eat those items. Sometimes you have to create a standoff. Let him go hungry a time or two if he refuses to eat healthy options. This will teach him that he has to follow your directions. You may also want to offer him the reward of being able to play with friends, watch TV or something else he yearns to do only if he finishes his meal. You have to train him out of his bad eating habits right now.