DEAR HARRIETTE: I am interested in creating a partnership with my college and the local business that surrounds my school. I want to create a bridge between the two intuitions to help make future employment for graduating students in the field of their study. I am trying to figure out who to talk to and make this dream of mine come to fruition. I know it is a monumental task, but I believe it is possible. -- Building a Bridge, Manhattan, New York

DEAR BUILDING A BRIDGE: Theoretically, this is a great idea. One way to start is to figure out synergies. What type of employment opportunities does the local business have? Build a relationship with the business so that you are clear about what they would value. See if they would be open for internships as a start, leading to full-time employment. With that information in tow, go to your school administration with your pitch to build this relationship. If you have all of the information organized and available to review, you create the best opportunity for the administration officials to consider the option seriously. Once you pique their interest, suggest that you set up a meeting between the business owner and the school administrator to make the connection. If the meeting goes well, be sure to continue to be part of the process. Perhaps you can be the administrator of the relationship and receive a fee for your good work. Good luck!

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have hired a baby sitter for my son ever since he was born. He is now 6 years old. I never reported this to the IRS because I wrote a check. I didn't pay illegally. Now I have learned that I am supposed to report it. My son's baby sitter is upset because it means she will have less take-home pay, but I don't want to have a problem with the government. What should I do? -- Paying Taxes, Jersey City, New Jersey

DEAR PAYING TAXES: It is true that your baby sitter should be paying income taxes on the money she earns while taking care of your son. Let her know that you want to abide by the law. If you have the resources and are able to give her additional income to lessen the blow of paying part of her salary to taxes, by all means do so. Consider whatever bonus you normally give her as going toward taxes as you consider your options. Give the baby sitter the choice of agreeing to pay taxes. If she refuses, let her know that you will need to look for another person to care for your child.

While this may seem extremely difficult for both of you and for your son, it is the right thing to do. You do not want to get into a legal challenge with the IRS. You will lose.

(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 family has a history of hypertension and high blood pressure. I recently went to the doctor for my annual checkup, and she was pleased with my overall physical health; however, she told me that my blood pressure was a bit high for her liking. My doctor told me that I would need to add an exercise regimen to help reduce my blood pressure. How do I fit an exercise regimen into an already busy schedule? -- Releasing the Pressure, Brooklyn, New York

DEAR RELEASING THE PRESSURE: Health challenges such as yours present the requirement of a lifestyle change in order for you to stay healthy -- or even alive. Yes, this may seem daunting, but it is true. High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it commonly has minimal side effects, yet it can and has caused strokes in thousands of unknowing victims. Doctors do suggest that exercise, healthy eating and weight loss can significantly reduce or even eliminate high blood pressure -- in some people. Even if high blood pressure doesn't go away, these things are good for you.

Will it be hard to add daily movement into a tight schedule that did not previously include physical activity? Sure. You have to decide that your life is worth it. Once you do, get support by joining a walking group, a gym, Weight Watchers or some other group activity that will keep you honest about your developing routine. Reduce your sodium intake, cut out the alcohol, shy away from fatty foods and put the kibosh on stress. Easier said than done, I know, but if you put yourself first, you create a chance to live the life you envision for yourself. You can do it!

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend called me to tell me about his long-distance "girlfriend" -- I say that loosely because he has seen her only once. He told his phone friend that he is seeing someone in the same city he lives in, and she was not pleased with my man's confession. She insisted that he dissolve our relationship immediately, but I am so happy that he did not listen to her. Going forward, how can we continue to reinforce our relationship? I like what we have together. -- Budding Relationship, West Orange, New Jersey

DEAR BUDDING RELATIONSHIP: It's a good sign that your boyfriend told you about his phone relationship. Find out more from him about what this woman means to him and whether he intends to stay in touch with her. Express to him how much you are enjoying the time you are spending together. Make it clear to him that you want to see how your relationship blossoms and that you are excited about the possibilities. Add that you do not want to be in the middle of another relationship. Ask him directly if he is finished with this woman and if he chooses to be with you. Yes, that can seem pushy, but you deserve to know. If he's got unresolved issues to handle with her, you can step back until he is available to be with you.

(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 have been married for five years, and my husband and I just had a baby. We are so excited, especially since it took us a few years to have this child. Our daughter is beautiful, and we could not be happier. The challenge is that my husband only wants to think about the "right now." I think we need to get life insurance so that if anything happens to us, our baby would be provided for. It has become a sore spot for us. It feels like we have argued until the cows come home. He just doesn't believe in insurance. I could see if we had a bunch of money socked away, but we don't have that, either. I don't want to disrespect my husband, but I do want to provide for my daughter. I have a job. Do you think it would be defiant to buy insurance anyway? -- Protecting My Child, Jackson, Mississippi

DEAR PROTECTING MY CHILD: Too bad you didn't discuss this aspect of family planning and values before you got married. Some people don't believe in insurance, but as you pointed out, if you don't have a contingency plan -- meaning growing money in the bank, aka investments, you put your family in a precarious position should the unthinkable happen.

You should continue the conversation with your husband about family planning -- not just insurance, but how many children you intend to have, what type of education you want to provide for them, where you want to live, how you will pay for any upgrades in your lifestyle, etc. As for insurance, you have the absolute right to purchase it on your own. You can even buy a policy for your husband. You simply pay for them and keep them in a safe place, should you ever need to use them.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have just fired the third "millennial" that I have hired in the past year. I feel horrible. I want to work with young people, and I understand how important it is to pay it forward to the next generation. These young people showed up to work late every day with no explanation. They gave me attitude when I questioned them about their lateness. And they turned their work in sporadically. I really don't know how to get the message across about traditional work ethic. Can you help? -- Millenially Stumped, Chicago

DEAR MILLENIALLY STUMPED: In your next interviews with millenials -- or anybody else -- talk values. Ask the interviewee about what he thinks is important in his life. Listen to his interests and goals. As you talk about the responsibilities of the job you are offering, listen to hear if there is genuine interest. Then outline what is important to you in an employee -- everything from timeliness to appropriate office attire to commitment to completion of projects.

Many young people have witnessed their parents and others move from job to job without any sense of job security. I believe this has inspired young people to put themselves one step ahead and choose not to stay long on a job or get too attached. A balance needs to be struck between independence and commitment. You can be part of that conversation.

(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.)