DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I applied to a company I always wanted to work for, but I didn’t receive a callback. I recently ran into a recruiter, who I loosely knew through a close friend, when I was visiting the co-working space where her company is based. When I asked her why I wasn’t chosen, she said she liked me, but the company’s other partner passed on me due to what she called “alarming content on social media.” I am very meticulous about what I post, so I wasn’t sure what she could’ve seen that put her off. I went home and Googled my name, and I was shocked. It turns out there is another woman with my name who has been posting some questionable content on the Internet. When employers look up my name, I don’t want them to see this. What can I do? I shouldn’t be getting punished for this person’s choices. – Socially Scrupulous, Cleveland

DEAR SOCIALLY SCRUPULOUS: If you and this woman literally have the same name, the best thing for you to do is to change your name slightly. Add a middle initial to your profile, or make your name three full names to differentiate yourself from this other person. You can also be proactive and let potential employers know that another person has a dubious profile. Provide direct links to your personal content on your resume and in any correspondence to make it easy for them.

In the case of this company, follow up in writing to explain that you and that other woman are two different people. Provide your links, for integrity’s sake.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I left my family’s religion years ago, and I’m wondering if and how I should have this conversation with them. I grew up a devout Catholic. My parents had my brother and me in church at least three times a week until we went away to college. I stuck with my religion until five years ago. When I started doing some research, I kept coming up with more questions than answers. On top of that, the different issues the church has been facing over the years, along with my differing opinions on key subjects have influenced my decision to leave. I find myself pretending whenever I go home, and as a 35-year-old man, I feel I am too old to be pretending to be something I am not. Should I have an honest conversation with my parents about this? If so, how? Any insight is appreciated. – Too Old for This, Boston

DEAR TOO OLD FOR THIS: Part of stepping into adulthood fully is taking responsibility for your choices and standing up for them. You can respectfully tell your parents that you no longer belong to the Catholic Church – and why. Remember to be thoughtful, as this is still their path. Explain your decision without arguing, and then tell them what you are doing spiritually. Parents want to make sure that their children are safe. While they may not agree with your choices, if you can assure them that you are spiritually shored up and grounded in your life, you may be able to set their hearts at ease – even if they are visibly upset about your decision.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.