ArcaMax

If parents don't teach children, and especially teens, how to groom themselves and act in a public place, they will assume that anything goes as they get older and have their own children.

What happened to respecting other people?

-- Grandma

Dear Grandma: Yes, what happened to respecting other people? For instance, you respecting this group of teens enough to appreciate that they are young, having fun, and -- importantly -- not necessarily in charge of their outfits on this particular morning, seeing as how they were rousted from their beds and spirited off to a diner. Perhaps you should have chastised the adults for permitting and promoting this attire.

This stunt sounds cute and fun, and a diner on a Saturday morning IS the appropriate venue for a bunch of bleary-eyed and bed-headed Girl Scouts.

You don't note any bothersome or disruptive behavior regarding this group, and so I assume that the Girl Scouts organization would be very happy to know that there are nine teens out there, gathering in a spirit of fun and fellowship on a Saturday morning.

Dear Amy: My sister recently gave me an expensive (gold and diamond) necklace. The piece was not something I would purchase for myself -- or ever wear.

My mother previously gave me a piece of jewelry I would characterize in the same way.

Both my mother and sister gave the gift with the caveat that I must not change the piece in any way, by removing (or moving) elements.

Here's how it goes: "I want you to have this, but I do not want you to change it at all."

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