DEAR HARRIETTE: I was asked to help a friend secure a wine sponsor for her upcoming comedy show, and I was able to do so in a timely manner. My friend was happy, and she asked me to help promote the event. I am uncomfortable with the idea of promoting the event because I have lot of friends who are very religious. They will not attend an event that serves wine, and more importantly, I do not want to deal with my spiritual adviser if word gets back to him. People need to laugh, and I don't see the big deal if someone has a drink to loosen up, but I'm not trying to wave the flag and promote it either. Can I please everybody? -- A Conflict of Interest, Brooklyn, N.Y.
DEAR A CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The mistake you made was starting down this road in the first place. If you knew that your spiritual community would disapprove of your involvement with alcohol and this community's opinion of you really matters, you probably should not have involved yourself in securing the alcohol in the first place.
That said, you do not have to accept the next role. For one, if the community you would promote this event to is your church community and you know they would be offended, you can tell that to your friend. If you are a promoter and know how to reach more broadly -- and you want to promote this event -- treat it simply as a job and invite the people you believe would enjoy the event. Do not invite your church members.