She fears a safe job will be boring

DEAR AMY: I am a happily married 45-year-old woman with three school-age children. I took a job driving a cab in the worst part of town because I was bored sitting around the house. I love my job, even though it is dangerous and the money isn't great. I just really love the people and driving. My family and everyone else want me to do something different. Yesterday I obtained a job as a companion. I haven't started yet, but I already know how bored I am going to be. Any suggestions?Happy Cabbie

DEAR CABBIE: If you start this gig thinking you'll be bored out of your mind, I find myself feeling sorry for your client.

The most obvious answer is to compromise by being a cabbie in a less dangerous part of town. You also could explore options such as becoming a school or city bus driver, working as a dispatcher or driving a delivery truck. In these jobs, your restlessness and love of people would be assets.

Otherwise, you should use your temperament to your advantage by approaching your companion job with energy and the determination to maximize your client's enjoyment. Go on outings, if possible. Help your client entertain friends. Depending on your client's capabilities, you should encourage him or her to be as engaged and active as possible.

DEAR AMY: A woman wrote to you, asking if it was OK if she attended the funeral of her ex-husband's wife. I have a very good relationship with my husband's ex-wife, but would I want her to show support for my husband by showing up at my funeral? No. And I think her son should be commended for speaking to her beforehand.

As you said, there are many ways to show support without attending the funeral. Good Grief

DEAR GRIEF: A funeral isn't the correct venue for testing relationships.