Casual Sex Could Be Fatal
Dear Ann Landers: This is in response to “Suffering in St. Louis,” who said she is suffering from fertility problems because she was a sexually promiscuous teenager. My heart goes out to her, but her suggestion that young people use protection if they become sexually active does not go far enough.
A condom cannot protect against herpes or genital warts because the skin in that entire area is not shielded. Although a condom does offer protection against some sexually transmitted diseases, condoms are not always used correctly. And, only latex condoms should be used. Other kinds of condoms can allow a virus to pass through.
The idea of abstinence until marriage, and no fooling around after, used to be called chastity and fidelity. In today’s world, chastity and fidelity not only enhance the chances for a solid and lasting marriage, they can mean a healthier and happier life together. - D.A. in Margate, Fla.
Dear Margate: Thank you for your words of wisdom based on common sense and scientific data. I hope my teenage readers will take your comments seriously. Now that AIDS is a possibility, sexual promiscuity can be fatal.
Dear Ann Landers: I found this in an old copy of the New Haven Register, dated Aug. 3, 1958. It is advice to a drunk from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association newsletter. Please put it in your column. - Branford, Conn.
Dear Branford: Thanks for sending it on. Even though it was written 40 years ago, it still makes a good point. Here it is:
“Since you cannot refrain from drinking, why not start a saloon in your own home? Be the only customer, and you will not have to buy a license. Give your wife $55 to buy a case of whiskey. There are 240 drinks in a case. Buy all your drinks from your wife at 60 cents a drink. In 12 days, your wife will have $89 to put in the bank and $55 to buy another case. If you live 10 years and continue to buy your whiskey from your wife and die with your boots on, your widow will have $27,125.47 on deposit.
“That will be enough to bring up your children, pay off the mortgage, marry a decent man and forget she ever knew a bum like you.”
Dear Ann Landers: I read with interest the letter from “Disgusted in Chicago,” who complained about young children in opposite-sex restrooms.
I am the mother of three boys, ages 3, 5 and 7. I certainly believe my two older boys do not belong in women’s restrooms. However, I cannot bring myself to leave any of them outside while I go in to use the facilities. My boys are responsible and mature, and I trust them. It is strangers I have second and third thoughts about. Should someone grab one of my children, I would never be able to forgive myself.
While I don’t take my boys shopping often, sometimes, it is necessary. If nature calls, I take them into the handicapped stall with me and get out as quickly as possible. I do not like doing this, and I certainly don’t want other women to be uncomfortable because of my sons’ presence, but I don’t know what else to do. Any suggestions? - Wondering in St. Louis
Dear St. Louis: I have been inundated with letters from mothers who say under no circumstances would they leave a child under 12 years old outside a public toilet while they relieve themselves. “Forget the modesty, and take him in with you,” they insisted. “The safety of your child is much more important.”