DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My boyfriend is sweet, considerate, and a really bad cook, although he thinks he is a Top Chef. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but he doesn’t know what he is doing in the kitchen and I keep coming up with excuses to avoid his “Dine In Specials” as he calls them. What can I do to save my taste buds and not hurt a good guy’s feelings? --- NOT DINING IN

DEAR NOT DINING IN: Since he’s showing an interest in cooking, why not push him in a more “tasteful” direction by gifting him with a cooking class or two under the auspices of trying to help him expand his repertoire. You might even look into couples cooking classes. That way you can sell him on the idea that you too want to hone your culinary skills.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: After our second baby was born last fall my husband and I looked at finances and the cost of childcare and figured it would not be hard for us to get by on his salary and my picking up some research work from the law firm I’d been with for the past several years.

After nearly a year at home with the kids, I still feel guilty about not making much money, and I always get the feeling that my still working friends look down on me. I am beginning to think I was wrong in leaving my job. Was I? --- ANTSIE AT HOME

DEAR ANTSIE: Staying home with the kids ─ especially a new baby ─ IS work.

You crunched the numbers, took the plunge, and now you need to give the still relatively new lifestyle a chance.

Think of the transitions you’ve already gone through ─ leaving home, entering the workforce, getting married, having babies. These have all been big steps you’ve experienced and survived. Fulltime parenthood is another of those life changes that will take time to adjust to.

If you haven’t already started yet, make sure you spend time with other young stay-at-home parents and their kids. Being with people in the same boat can make all the difference in the world for both you and your children.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: A good buddy’s sister is getting married and I have been told I will be invited to the wedding. I have known her since my friend and I were in middle school and I know she has always been a bit of a princess. I checked out her registry and I do not see anything in it that is easily in my budget. Is there anything wrong with ignoring the registry and getting them something else? --- NOT MADE OF MONEY

DEAR NOT: No, there’s nothing wrong with gifting off the registry. Since the bride is someone you’ve known for a long time you can capitalize on that knowledge and give the couple something that dovetails with their interests or personalities. If they’re into camping or hiking (even princesses can love the great outdoors!), get them a gift card from a sporting goods supplier. If they’re big on movies, go Fandango. Hit the bars every weekend? Think Uber or Lyft.

Of course, there’s always the cash or prepaid credit gift card route, which allows you to spend within your comfort level and them the freedom to put it towards whatever they need or want.