DEAR ABBY: I have a problem at my workplace. My two bosses are single men in their early 30s. I am the only female working at the company. Somehow, it has become “my duty” to find single women for them to date. This has been going on for several months, and they are unhappy because none of the ladies I have set them up with have worked out.

Yesterday, I was given a bad performance review, and I know it’s because the women I have introduced them to have rejected them.

Abby, how can I get them to separate their personal desires from my office responsibilities? I’ve tried telling them I cannot be their personal dating service any longer, but that makes my office situation worse. The truth is, I’m running out of girlfriends to introduce them to, and the job situation in New York City doesn’t allow me to quit. – SICK OF BEING CUPID IN MANHATTAN

DEAR SICK OF BEING CUPID: You were well-intentioned in trying to fix your bosses up, but solicitation and procurement were not in your job description. Document as best you can the times and places when you were asked to supply them with women. If you’re fired, provide that information to the labor board. Your employers are blackmailing you, and their behavior is contemptible.

DEAR ABBY: I am a 16-year-old male currently living in a boys’ home. I’ll be here for the next few months. Here’s my problem: I tend to fall in love easily. During the three months I’ve been here, my girlfriend, “Tracy,” wrote me twice a day. I thought for sure we were in love. But I haven’t received a letter from her in more than a week!

Her excuse is she’s busy with school and a part-time job — plus, it’s track season and she’s on the team. I understand all that, but I’m still worried. I told Tracy how I feel but still haven’t gotten a letter back. What should I do now? – CONFUSED TEENAGER IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR CONFUSED TEENAGER: I’m sure it’s lonely living in new surroundings. However, it’s a mistake to depend solely on one person for your happiness. (It’s also a heavy responsibility to lay on another person.)

It’s time to find a sport, a hobby or some other interest to fill your time. I am sure you’ll hear from your girlfriend eventually, but do not get angry with her or make her feel guilty, or you’ll lose her.

DEAR ABBY: My second husband, “Randy,” and I have four children between us – my two, ages 14 and 15, and his daughter, “Katy,” 5, and our son, “Timmy,” 2.

Recently, I asked Randy if, for my own personal keepsake, we could have a professional portrait taken of him and the three children I bore. He adamantly refused, saying Katy would feel left out.

We have a fairly recent picture in our family room with Katy in it. Timmy, however, is not in the photo because he has autism and refused to have his picture taken that day.

Randy and I have been arguing over this, and it’s making me resentful toward him and my stepdaughter. (Katy doesn’t live with us, but visits every other weekend.)

Do you think I am selfish to want a picture with just my husband and MY three children? – MAD STEPMOM IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS

DEAR MAD STEPMOM: I’m not sure I’d call it selfish. However, it would be enormously insensitive to the feelings of the little girl who lives apart and gets to be with her father and siblings only every other weekend. Look at it from the child’s perspective, and you’ll see your husband is right.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more attractive person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $5 (U.S. funds only) to: Dear Abby Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

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