Hi there, guys and dolls! Hope you’re all faring well and ready for some romantic recommendations on free advice Friday. Let’s get right to it, shall we?

Dear Barbara Jean,

I think the produce man at our local green grocer is delicious, but I don’t think he’s ever noticed me. What can I do to get him to see me as more than just another grocery gal shopper?

Longing Loretta in Laredo

Dear Loretta,

Oh, I know your problem. Some of those grocery guys are gorgeous! Why not strike up a conversation about his stock in trade? Pick up a pair of peaches and ask him if he thinks yours are ripe you may, at that point, invite to give them a squeeze. If he needs further encouragement ask him if he thinks the melons are ripe. Finally, you may need to resort to asking him if he has a banana (yes, I do mean just one). If at that point you have not secured a dinner invitation, he is either not yet ripe for the picking or he may prefer a different type of produce than you can provide, such as a cucumber or zucchini ( you’re a bright girl I think you can figure that one out).

Have fun fondling, Barbara Jean

Dear Barbara Jean,

I saw this darling dress that my mother and I thought would be perfect for my Spring social. Father, on the other hand, insists on coming shopping with us and whenever he sees the price tag for anything I like, he immediately says that it is too expensive and doesn’t let mother buy it for me. Barbara Jean, I really, really, really want this dress how do I get him to say “yes” to the dress?

Yearning Yolanda in Yuba City

Dear Yolanda,

This one is a cinch! Get your mother to take you to the most expensive and glamorous dress stores in town and try on the skimpiest and most expensive dresses you can find. Let your father get an eyeful of those high price tags and revealing designs. While he is still in shock, take him to the store where your darling dress is and I’ll guarantee he’ll have no problem seeing your choice as sensible and smart for his young lady.

Helping you learn how to wrap your father around your little finger, Barbara Jean

Keep your letters coming! I love to help or hinder any way I can.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more posts. And don’t forget to give my Poppy Cove Mysteries a try if you haven’t already.

Toodles, Barbara Jean