ASK EMILY: Token of affection goes a long way on Father’s Day

ASK EMILY
Published: June 11, 2008

Dear Emily: I haven’t always had the greatest relationship with my dad, but we starting talking more over the last few months and getting to know each other (for what feels like the first time) lately. We never really exchanged gifts before, not even for birthdays or Christmas, so I’m wondering if I should get him something for Father’s Day. And if so, I wouldn’t know what to get him.
— Distraught Daughter

Dear Distraught Daughter: Don’t look at a Father’s Day gift as something you should or shouldn’t do — decide if it is something you want to do. If you want to show your dad how excited you are about this new relationship, go ahead and get him something. Think practical, like getting him a book he might enjoy, or a bottle of his favorite wine. A little token of your affection may go a long way to further strengthen this relationship.

Dear Emily: I had been working at my job for about 10 years, when the company let me go due to some cutbacks. I need to write a resume now, but haven’t done one in so long. Have the rules changed that much from 10 years ago? Are there any hints you can give me?
— At a Loss

Dear At a Loss: There are definitely some dos and don’ts you need to know before rewriting your resume, so check out job Web sites like JobStar or Monster.com, for some important tips. You’ll learn how things have changed. For example, you don’t have to squish your entire resume onto one page anymore. You can use two — even three — as long as they’re filled with content and not fluff. Also, employers now consider generic-sounding objectives a turn-off.

Dear Emily: I am a college student and recently got a job near my school, rather than back home, so I could spend my summer closer to my boyfriend. However, my boyfriend broke up with me right before school ended, and now I’m worried about running into him around town. I can’t break my lease, and don’t want to quit my new job, so what should I do? I don’t want to look like a loser who is still trying to be close to her ex.
— Humiliated

Dear Humilitated: A lot of college students stay near campus during the summer, so you definitely won’t look like a loser for staying. You would, however, look like a loser if you starting going to the same places your boyfriend goes to for fun, giving the impression that you’re still interested in him or that you’re hanging around town to be near him. So just try to keep away from your ex and concentrate on enjoying your summer. Chances are he will be doing exactly the same thing.