Sorry if this sounds stupid, but I literally wanted to melt into the floor today. It was my first shift at my new retail job and my ex was assigned to train me at the register—standing inches away, practically guiding my hands on the scanner. Then he casually mentioned the manager who hired me is his aunt, trying to 'get us back together'. I'm panicking, I need this paycheck, what do I do?

Deep breath: you were hired for customer service, not to star in a Hallmark movie orchestrated by someone's meddling aunt. What happened here is wildly unprofessional, even if Auntie thinks she’s playing sweet matchmaker. Having your ex hover over your shoulder while you’re already terrified of messing up the receipt roll is a certified panic recipe. The good news? You hold all the cards, because you are purely there to work, not to audition for Season 2 of your breakup. Take the romance completely out of the equation with a calm, flat tone. Next shift, tell your ex before you even clock in: "Hey, let’s keep this strictly about the job. Just show me what buttons to press and I’ve got it from there." If his aunt gives you knowing looks or drops hints in the breakroom, keep your poker face: "Thanks, I'm just really focused on getting the hang of the inventory system!" Keep your eyes on the barcodes, cash that paycheck, and remember: Cupid doesn't sign your timesheet.