Dear Abby: Girl who shies away from gym can enjoy good, long walk

Girl who shies away from gym can enjoy good, long walk

[...] that I’m 17, Mom expects me to be more mature about this.

Being in a gym makes me feel unhappy and judged.

How can I get my mom to understand how hard this is for me?

Going to a gym can be fun if you do it with a buddy.

Tell your mother you would prefer to exercise on your own rather than go to a gym.

[...] put on your walking shoes, leave the house and walk for 20 to 30 minutes a day.

[...] I don’t advise telling your mother that you “have a life you love” without her.

[...] I suggest that you phrase your greeting to her more carefully.

[...] if she starts in with “you don’t care,” tell her that you do care or you wouldn’t be on the phone with her, but if she keeps giving you a guilt trip, she’ll be hearing from you less.

If you go to a party and bring something (chips, soda, etc.), what is the rule of etiquette about taking it home when you leave?

When someone brings food to a party, it could be considered a host/hostess gift.

Before taking any of it home, first ask your host or hostess if it would be all right.

While some people wouldn’t mind, others may, so you shouldn’t assume that because you brought something that the leftovers are yours.