If child’s noisy, leave event

Dear Annie: Nearly 20 years ago, I officiated at my first wedding. I did not know how to react when a mother could not quiet her two screaming toddlers, but I have since made it my responsibility to handle such things.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having children present, but a screaming, crying, disruptive child absolutely distracts from the primary reason a congregation has gathered. Parents often try to “shush” their infant, which only intensifies the attention turned toward them. I have been baffled when parents refuse to leave such a holy occasion with a screaming child because they do not want to miss out on the ceremony.

I would appreciate it if you would remind your readers about this important part of etiquette – not simply for weddings, but for funeral and worship services as well. Here is a simple guideline: If you have a disruptive child, try to calm them, but if the disruption continues, leave. Some places of worship have a crying room, where the service is piped in. Otherwise, go to a nearby park, lobby, whatever, but please take the needs of the whole congregation into consideration.

I speak as a father of three, and have, at times, had to carry my own child out of a service. (P.S. Turn off your cell phones while you’re at it.) – Pleading Priest

Dear Pleading Priest: We understand that parents don’t want to miss these important events, but a screaming child makes it unpleasant for everyone.

Dear Annie: Last week, my doctor gave me a preliminary diagnosis of genital herpes. I am waiting for the lab to call back. In the meantime, my husband has shunned me.

I don’t know if I contracted this from him (I know that Type 1 cold sores can transfer and infect other areas), or if it is something I contracted years ago and no symptoms showed up until now.

I have been completely faithful to my husband, but now he doubts that. Is there information that can help him accept me? – Infected in California

Dear Infected: A person can contract genital herpes through normal sexual contact or through oral sex if one partner is infected with oral herpes (cold sores). Some people have no outward symptoms, or their symptoms are mistaken for other conditions, and they live with the virus for years without knowing they have it.

Either you or your husband could have contracted this virus before your marriage, or you could have gotten it through oral sex. We hope your husband will give you the benefit of the doubt, and he, too, should see his doctor. In the meantime, please contact the American Social Health Association (ashastd.org) or their STI Research Center Hotline at (800) 227-8922.