Conference attendee wants to stay out of the picture

Abby By Abigail Van Buren

DEAR ABBY: I’m going to a professional conference, which has the usual presentations, vendors and activities. Every time I go, there’s always a photographer. It’s annoying. When a photographer sneaks up to take photos, it distracts the presenter. Then the camera is usually swung around to shoot the audience. I have been photographed many times while I was browsing through the vendors. I have never given my permission to have any of them published. The photos appear on state or national organization websites for viewing by association members (not the general public). What are my rights? Am I the only one who is camera shy? — TEACHER ON THE WEST COAST DEAR TEACHER: You are not the only person who dislikes having their picture taken — particularly without permission. Many others also do. However, if the photographer has been hired by the association sponsoring the event, I don’t think you have any choice about being photographed. You might be out of camera range if you sit toward the back of the audience. Or, do what some celebrities do — wear dark glasses. *** DEAR ABBY: Three months ago, I went out on three dates with “Kevin.” Then he sent me a text saying he didn’t feel I could offer him the relationship he is looking for, but he wants to remain friends because he has fun with me. I agreed, and we’ve gotten together many times since and communicate often. I am not physically attracted to him, but I sense he is attracted to me, and it makes me uncomfortable. Since we agreed to be friends, he has invited me over for “movie and cuddle night,” put his arm around me, asked to kiss me and booked a hotel room with only one bed and no sofa. It’s like I am his placeholder until he finds a real girlfriend, and he wants to spend time with me only out of boredom and loneliness. I don’t know how to break things off nicely. — NOT INTERESTED IN THE WEST DEAR NOT INTERESTED: I think you have Kevin pegged correctly. Here’s how to distance yourself “nicely.” Tell him you like him very much. But as a platonic friend only. Explain that kissing, cuddling and sharing a bed are things you do with a boyfriend, and it’s time for both of you to move on. Then do it. *** 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.