Dear Abby: My son, a junior in college, is trying to get a summer job. His degree is challenging, and he has a good work ethic plus job experience. Because he hasn’t had much luck applying online, I have been calling local businesses to see what’s available while he’s working hard at school.

A problem I’m encountering is something I never had to deal with in my own job search. It’s companies asking if he wants an internship. They say they can’t pay him to train him. Can you explain the basis of this response?

Wants to Know

In Pennsylvania

Dear Wants to Know: The basis may be economic. The companies don’t want to spend the money on an intern, particularly one who exhibits such little initiative that his mother has to call to inquire about a job for him. Keep in mind that some internships have been known to lead to permanent positions. Your son may have better luck if he places the calls himself.

Dear Abby: What is proper when hosting guests from out of state? In a few months, two different relatives will be visiting me separately, each for two weeks. For years it has been my custom to go to church early on Sunday and then to brunch with friends. I don’t mind giving up the brunch, but I don’t want to miss church for an entire month. (I’m a widow now and I enjoy the fellowship.)

One relative is a non-churchgoer, and the other is a Jehovah’s Witness. Neither will attend with me even though I invite them. (I tried that.) How do I handle this?

Church or No Church

Dear C. or N.C.: Having houseguests does not mean you are shackled together the entire time they stay with you. Because you have “tried that” and your offer was rejected, they already know you like to attend church.

Handle the situation by telling them you will be going to early services on Sunday and then to brunch with some of the church members afterward. If you’re worried about feeding your houseguests, tell them there will be lox, bagels and cream cheese waiting in the fridge when they get up — something from almost every food group.

Dear Abby: I have a slightly different version of a “Pennies From Heaven” letter for you.

My darling grandmother would often tell my brother and me she had a “Yankee dime” for us — which meant a kiss. Not long after her death, I started finding shiny dimes in the strangest places — under birthday gifts, by the Christmas tree and in my kitchen (which is my happy place). My heart fills as the dimes continue to pile up. I save them all.

If I had a penny for every Yankee dime I got while growing up, I’d be very rich.

Suzanne

In Ocala, Fla.

Dear Suzanne: You ARE rich! You were blessed to have had a grandmother who loved you and your brother and demonstrated it every chance she got. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

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