DEAR AMY: Teenagers really do want limits -- but also need to save face when they feel pressured. We had a code for our kids' requests to do things or go places when their friends were around. It was how they would word it: "Mom, is it OK if I go to...?" Rather than, "Mom, can I go to...?" If there was an "OK in the query, we knew they didn't really want to go, and this was their way of wanting a NO response from us while saving face. If there was no "OK" in the request, we knew they really DID want to go. This worked well. I highly recommend it.
A Dad
DEAR DAD: I like it.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.