DEAR HARRIETTE: A family friend got an assignment in my city for the next few months. I am happy that I will be able to see her, but I want to manage expectations. My work is busy, and I have a teenager who is in overdrive with school. I can’t spend too much time with this woman, even though I like her a lot. Because she is new to the city, she is eager to get together with me. How can I make it clear to her that we can see each other occasionally, but not nearly as much as she has requested? -- Time Management
DEAR TIME MANAGEMENT: Be as direct with her as you are with me right now. Welcome her to town and tell her what you love about it. Meet up with her as soon as is convenient, either at your home or at a restaurant or other social environment. Suggest fun things that she can do in her spare time. And tell her that you will be able to see her only from time to time because of your own schedule.
You can stay in touch via phone or text, but draw the line if you do not have time to spend with her. You can make recommendations for activities that she may enjoy and make time when you can to see each other.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)