ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: An old manager of mine recently reached out to me and offered me a job. It's a department store-esque luxury makeup beauty adviser position in an upscale neighborhood in New York City. The job aligns with my interests and would give me money that I desperately need, especially since I didn't get a summer internship.

My only fear with taking the job is that I'll trap myself in retail when I should be networking and trying to get industry exposure. I also don't want to run into scheduling conflicts during the school year when classes resume, causing me to have to quit the job and let down my former manager. What do you think I should do? Should I take the job for now and see whether anything changes or becomes available in the future? -- The Job Hunt Drama

DEAR THE JOB HUNT DRAMA: Your old manager knows you and respects you enough to invite you to take this position. That is excellent. Now it's your turn to be mature and clear. Explain your schedule -- not the desire to network. You have to figure that out in between work and the rest of your life. Talk about your upcoming school schedule, and find out if he is willing to have you work full time now and change your schedule to accommodate school in the fall.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I started seeing this guy, and I am really into him. We have known each other for a week and have already seen each other twice. It's safe to say that I am falling fast, but I am worried that I'm being love-bombed. He brought me my favorite drinks and seashells from his walk on the beach, and he talked about our futures while also bringing up his ex-girlfriend, other people he's seeing and how he's too busy for a relationship at the moment. I feel like he's giving me things and making empty promises to make up for the fact that this will probably end with me getting hurt.

After our second hangout, he said, "Love you," while leaving. I was caught off guard and didn't know how to respond, and I still don't know how to feel. Do you think that I'm being love-bombed, or am I reading too much into the situation? Is it possible that he just says he loves people casually? -- Love or Lies

DEAR LOVE OR LIES: Slow down and take a deep breath. This guy sounds like a charmer. Flinging "love you" around like an air kiss may be fun for him, but you are considering it seriously. Don't. In two dates, yes, you have had fun and he seems both romantic and attentive, but that does not a long-term relationship make. If you can just enjoy the moment, continue to see him -- he has told you that he isn't ready for commitment. Believe him.

Suggesting that this man is love-bombing you implies that you think he is duping you; I think he is just having fun with you. If you can go along and casually enjoy his flirtations and attentiveness, enjoy yourself. If you feel the need to cling to him with hopes of a relationship, you are setting yourself up for heartbreak.

========

(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.)

Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole

COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.