DEAR HARRIETTE: I went to a dinner party with a really cool group of people. Among the guests were several well-known actors. It was so interesting being at the event with them. I hadn't ever met celebrities before. They acted pretty regular, which was nice. While I had a great time, I wonder if I should keep it to myself. I don't want to seem like I'm bragging if I tell my friends. I did take pictures, but I decided not to post them on my social media accounts because we were at a private event. I really don't want to come off like a groupie. When is it OK to say who you were with at an event? -- Time for Discretion, San Francisco

DEAR TIME FOR DISCRETION: When you take pictures at private functions, you should ask if it's OK to post the images. Many people do not like such postings that show their homes and/or guests. Asking solves the mystery.

I believe in sharing information on a need-to-know basis. In terms of telling your friends or others about who you met, do so only if it's natural. Namedropping is unattractive, doesn't win you friends and makes for awkward conversation. Conversely, if you had an experience that would be inspiring and inclusive of others, that would be appropriate to share.

Otherwise, savor the moment when you are in it, and when you move on, be fully present in the next moment. This way you bring your full awareness to your experiences and put people at ease.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I caught a sexually transmitted disease from my boyfriend, and I am so mad. I suspected that he was being unfaithful, but every time I said something, he acted like I was crazy or something. He is my first boyfriend, and I'd never had sex before being with him. When I realized something was weird in my body, I went to the doctor and got this horrible news. I feel like I want to tell everybody we know, but then they would also know that I have this awful disease. I am so mad and feel so betrayed. I don't know what to do. Obviously, I am dealing with it with my doctor, but what do I do about my boyfriend? Even though he has been unfaithful to me, it is so hard to let go. -- Compromised, Denver

DEAR COMPROMISED: It is time for you to face facts. Your "boyfriend" has lied to you, been unfaithful to you and remains in denial about his behavior. That is enough information for you to be able to make the tough decision to walk away from him. If you need help, go to a counselor, get spiritual advice or rely on your friends and family when you feel weak. Block his phone number so that he cannot call you. Expunge him from your life and vigilantly avoid contact. Eventually, it will get easier.

(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a boutique owner, and I've sold women's luxury items for almost six years now. In a tough economy, my business has managed to remain successful and increase its number of shoppers. With 2015 here, I was looking to grow my business and hire my first store employee. I figured a new employee would introduce new energy around the workplace, and it did just that.

I decided to hire a close friend of mine who was going through financial trouble; I wanted to help in any way possible. She had lost her job because of the intense economy, and she needed some assistance. She's a great worker who brings in an amazing energy, but she just can't seem to get to work on time. The first couple of times were excusable, but now it's hindering my business. I've spoken to her before about this, and it fixed the problem only temporarily. I'm in a bind here, and I'm not sure of my next move. Do you think I should fire her for her lack of timeliness? -- Be on Time, Pasadena, California

DEAR BE ON TIME: Before giving up on your friend, get creative. If you believe that she is valuable to you and your company, give her different hours. Tell her that you realize that she has had difficulty being on time for work, so you have decided to change her schedule. Give her new hours that start a bit later than the original hours. Make it clear to her that she must follow the new schedule. Make sure she understands that if she cannot adhere to the new schedule, you may be forced to let her go.

If you haven't done this already, talk to her about her previous job. Find out what really happened related to her job loss. It may be that lateness is part of her M.O. If so, let her know she has a chance now to amend her behavior. Otherwise, she is out.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went to a business meeting at a woman's home, and when I arrived, I was asked to remove my shoes. I was taken aback. I have never had anyone make that request before. I felt it was far too much to ask, even though we were at her house. I refused. She gave me a pass, but was clearly upset. Was I wrong? -- Shoe-Free, Middletown, New York

DEAR SHOE-FREE: Sorry, but you were wrong. When you go to someone's house, you must abide by that person's rules. It is also true that when one has atypical rules, it is wise for the person to advise people of them in advance so that the guests can feel at ease. I know one woman who has a no-shoes policy at her home, and she provides slippers at the front door for her guests to wear instead. You want to make your guests feel comfortable. But the bottom line is that your guests should be in line with your rules.

(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbor is going to the funeral of one of her family members, and it's out of town. She came to me the other day to ask if I would watch her cat while she is away. I am allergic to cats, so I told her no. But even if I were not allergic, I think that is a whole lot to ask. I know that there are kennels for animals when people have to go away. Why wouldn't she have just gone there? I have never played with her cat. I don't even go over her house because I know the cat will make me sneeze. Anyhow, now my neighbor is mad at me. She said I was being uncaring because I did not help her out in her time of need. I told her I would keep an eye out on her house, but that I just can't watch her cat. What else could I have done? She is my neighbor, and I would like to support her, but we aren't close at all. -- Which Way to Turn, Boston

DEAR WHICH WAY TO TURN: You were smart not to accept watching the cat when you are allergic. Without hearing you, I cannot attest as to how you let her know you couldn't do it, but tone is everything. You may have hurt her already-fragile feelings by summarily rejecting her need.

You may have tried to be more helpful, saying you cannot take the cat but suggesting others who might be able to do it or even recommending a kennel. Sometimes when people are grieving, they don't think straight. She may not have thought of the kennel.

DEAR HARRIETTE: When I was a freshman in college, a hometown friend who attended a neighboring university introduced me to her roommate. The girl was beautiful, she had an amazing personality and she was from my hometown. After meeting for the first time, we exchanged numbers and then developed a great relationship over the years. By my junior year of college, we began to go on dates and soon became romantically involved. Through conversation, I learned that she actually knew my cousin. He is my cousin through marriage, but we have a good relationship. Apparently they liked each other during middle or high school. This kind of confused me; however, it could have been premature kid love. To this day, she never explicitly stated if they ever had sexual relations, so I'm not sure. I don't know if her messing with my cousin is a reason not to date someone. Do you think I should stop pursuing her, or should I not worry about things that were before my time? -- Past or Present, Memphis, Tennessee

DEAR PAST OR PRESENT: The only reason for you to be concerned about the relationship that this young lady had with your cousin is if your cousin is still interested in her. Since years have passed and he's now married to your cousin, it sounds as if the past is exactly there.

It is none of your business who your girlfriend's previous sexual partners have been. If you want to be in a relationship with her, stay in the present. If you want to make sure that you have your cousin's blessing, ask for that.

(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)