House cleaner tries her hand at being an interior designer

Dear Abby: I have had the same cleaning woman for three years. She does an excellent job and works hard. However, she has made little changes in the past when I’m not home.

She reorganized a kitchen drawer and laundry room cabinet without first clearing it with me. Yesterday, when I walked into my laundry room, I noticed two pictures had been removed from the wall and rehung in my living room. She used three nails to hang them and left the first nail in the wall because she had made a mistake. I returned them to their original spots. The three holes in the living room wall remain.

I live in an expensive penthouse. The holes are like bullet holes to me. I am a renter. In addition, I do not have the paint that matches, and I am

not handy with spackle and painting.

My cleaning lady is very sensitive. When I asked her to let me know the night before if she needs to cancel, I almost lost her for good. I had to call repeatedly, and I’m walking on eggshells now. — Renter In Nevada

Dear Renter: What she did was wrong, and you need to explain it to her. Sometimes it isn’t what you say but how you say it. Hang onto your temper while telling her she has created a problem for you. It’s the truth. If her response is to not show up again, you are rid of her.

P.S. Visit a home improvement store and you may be surprised to know that paint can be closely matched if you bring a small sample with you. They may also be able to recommend someone who can fix the wall for a reasonable price, or offer guidance on how you can fix it yourself.

Dear Abby: I’m a 58-yearold woman, divorced for three years. I was in a loveless marriage for almost 20 years. I have started going to online dating sites. I’m attractive, so I get lots of attention.

I post nice pictures of myself, nothing sexy. But the kind of attention I’m getting is not what I want. I’d like to have a long-term relationship. Most of the men “say” that’s what they want, but it’s not. How can I come across as a woman who wants an LTR and not a “friends with

benefits” or a hook-up? What do I do? — Lost In The Online Dating World

Dear Lost: If someone wants to move your “relationship” to the next level before you are ready, you need to say you are not comfortable in moving so quickly. It’s straightforward and honest.

There are many kinds of dating sites, and you may be on the wrong ones. Also consider meeting suitable men the old-fashioned way — by being introduced by people you know and who know you well.