Without proof she’ll deny your claims
Dear Annie: I have been seeing “Nola,” a skin-care specialist, for several years. She also is a family friend. Four months ago, I became suspicious that Nola was stealing money from my wallet during my facials, while I lay with a cloth over my eyes. Since I don’t keep track of my purchases very closely, I figured I was in error. After all, she’d known my family for years. How could she be stealing from me?
Well, the last time I went for my facial, I carefully counted how much money was in my wallet beforehand. Sure enough, when I left, $20 was missing. I haven’t confronted Nola, out of respect for the family relationship. Now she is hounding me to come back to her salon because I’m “not getting any younger” and I need to continue with the facials.
What do you think I should do? – Robbed Blind in San Mateo, Calif.
Dear Robbed Blind: Since you don’t have any documented proof of theft, Nola is quite likely to deny everything if you confront her.
You can stop going for facials and simply say you’ve decided to spend your time elsewhere. Or, if you wish to continue, tell Nola, “The last time I was at your place, I somehow misplaced $20. Did you happen to find it?” She should get the message. As a guarantee, put your driver’s license and a few dollars in your pocket and leave your wallet at home.
Dear Annie: Did you know that record numbers of young people turned out at the polls in the presidential election and that we see more young people serving in our communities today than any other generation before? Clearly, young people are active citizens who are making significant contributions to the common good. They are actively solving problems, sitting at tables of decision-making, and creating more opportunities for their peers to participate every day.
To celebrate their energy, idealism and passion, please remind your readers that the 17th annual National Youth Service Day will take place April 15-17, 2005. Over 100 national partners, 50 lead agencies, and a consortium of local organizations supported by State Farm Companies Foundation will bring together millions of young people to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism.
Once again, we look forward to your readers supporting National Youth Service Day by volunteering and celebrating the year-round contributions made by youth in America. For more information, your readers can visit www.ysa.org or write to Youth Service America, Dept. A, 1101 15th Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005. They can also find a volunteer opportunity today at www.SERVEnet.org. – Steven A. Culbertson, President and CEO, Youth Service America
Dear Steven Culbertson: We hope our readers will take advantage of this information to check out those Web sites and become involved in local volunteer projects. Thank you so much for letting us know.
Dear Annie: Is wearing black to a wedding a no-no? I will be traveling from Massachusetts to California for my son’s wedding and a large reception, and I am thinking of taking a black, cocktail-length afternoon dress to wear to the festivities. The dress is simple but has a “dressed up” look. This will be a second marriage for both bride and groom. Your opinion is appreciated. – Dumb about Clothes
Dear Dumb: Black is an acceptable color to wear to a wedding, as long as your outfit is appropriately dressy. However, since you are the mother of the groom, it might be a good idea to ask your son and his future wife if they have any preferences as to the color. We wouldn’t want them to get the wrong impression regarding your feelings about the marriage.