Dear Heloise: While installing some lighting, I was up in the attic when it occurred to me that I needed my cellphone so I could call my wife and have her direct me as to where the light should go. I also use my cellphone to call my wife so she can help direct me while I back up our RV into a parking space. Just “eyeballing” chores like these doesn’t work as well as a second pair of eyes. — William L., White Marsh, Md.

Wedding-bell blues

Dear Readers: A while back, we ran a letter from a couple who were getting married and wanted guests who came to their wedding to give them money for a honeymoon instead of a gift. We got an overwhelming response from readers all across the U.S., with the vast majority of them against requesting money. Here are some of the replies we received. — Heloise

“Asking for money is tacky and rude. If I received a wedding invite with a request for cash, I would RSVP a polite ‘no’ and then erase the couple from my contact list.” — Bobbie C., San Clemente, Calif.

“I absolutely would not! A gift should be from the heart of the giver.” — Linda S., Thousand Oaks, Calif.

“My thought is this: If you can’t afford the honeymoon, then you’re spending too much on the wedding.” — P. Johnson in San Antonio

“I think it is rude to ask for money for a honeymoon.” — Carlyn H., Prattville, Ala.

“Asking for money to fund a honeymoon trip has an advantage: It’s easy. The disadvantage is that it’s impersonal.” — Harry in Texas Hill Country

“I would be glad not to have to guess what the couple wanted or needed.” — Kathy B., via email

Hands off

Dear Heloise: Working with a dermatologist, I learned a number of ways to help my skin stay firmer and less wrinkled than many other women my age. Here are a few of them:

First, don’t touch your face if you don’t have to.

Wash your hands before you wash your face.

Don’t sleep in your makeup.

Gently pat on moisturizers and lotions; never rub your face.

Blot oily areas on your face with a clean tissue. Never wipe — blot.

Use sunblock daily, even in winter.

— A Reader, via email

Problem with returns

Dear Heloise: Just a heads-up: Many stores are now denying a return if you make a habit of returning too many things within a set time. A receipt doesn’t matter. If you make too many returns, the stores won’t take an item back. — Cathy K. in Indianapolis

DOGGIE DREAMS

Dear Heloise: My vet told me to never wake up dogs while they are having a nightmare. Like people, they need time to fully wake up, and they might be frightened enough to bite. Wait until the dog wakes up, and be there on hand to offer comfort, assuring the dog that everything is OK. — Hailey Y., Albuquerque, N.M.