Offended by women stingy with thanks

Dear Abby: I am a male reader with a complaint. Have you noticed that women hardly ever compliment men? On ANYTHING! They expect men to compliment them but never reciprocate.

If you move furniture, take them out for a nice dinner, buy tickets to their favorite show, buy them a gift, they don’t have enough manners or couth to say thank you or express appreciation. Getting a compliment is like pulling teeth from a great white shark while he’s feeding.

Don’t women ever think, “Maybe I should say something to HIM instead of expecting him to say it to me”? Where do they learn this behavior? Are they taught this growing up? Or do they just not care or even realize? Shaking My Head in New

Jersey

Dear Shaking: My late mother, God rest her soul, once commented to me that people with “class” never use that word. In this case, I will make an exception and tell you that individuals of both sexes who have class were taught from early childhood the magic words “please” and “thank you,” and to express gratitude. I don’t know what kind of women you are involved with, but I’m suggesting it is time to upgrade the quality.

Do not spoil anyone who isn’t willing to spoil you right back.

Dear Abby: I’ve been going to the same poke joint for more than five years now. Several of the employees have worked there for years. I feel at this point, I should know their names, but they don’t wear name tags, and I’m embarrassed to ask what their names are after so many years. They don’t know mine either, but they know enough about me to ask how my son is doing or how my work is going.

I like calling people by their names, but I’m a little shy and awkward and don’t know how to ask. Should I just keep our weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) exchanges at surface-level chitchat without worrying about what their names are?

Friendly in the West

Dear Friendly: You can certainly do that. It has worked for you so far. However, if you would like to know the employees’ names, just say that you are “terrible with names, and embarrassed to even have to ask after all this time, but ... what is your name? My name is (insert name).”

Dear Abby: I’m getting married next month, and I’m so nervous. What can I do to not be scared?

Cold Feet in Florida

Dear Cold Feet: I wish you had been more forthcoming about what you are worried about. Is it the wedding ceremony and your wedding day? If that’s the case, have faith that you and your fiance will make it through together because you WILL. Is it your wedding night? A talk with your doctor should allay your fears. Is it that you are unsure about the person you are marrying?

If that’s the case, postpone the wedding and schedule premarital counseling for you and your intended. In some religions, the clergy recommend this type of counseling so issues like money and child-rearing can be discussed and not cause serious problems later.

Write to Dear Abby at P.O. Box 96440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 or dearabby. com

While spending more time working, studying and playing at home, you may be more conscious than ever of your living environment. You're probably more aware than ever of the importance of cleanliness in your home, to keep your family healthy and comfortable.

So to make sure your home provides the best environment for your family to thrive, here are some ways to ensure that your surroundings support your family's health and wellbeing.

The air you breathe

Especially if anyone in your household suffers from allergies, you're probably aware of the importance of air quality. But if you haven't spent much time thinking about it, consider how much your family depends on the air in your home, day in and day out.

Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to improve the air you breathe.

Change HVAC filters often — and even more frequently than recommended. This helps keep the air being recirculated in your home freer from allergens and impurities.

Schedule regular tuneups and cleaning for your HVAC system, to be sure your entire system is in good, safe working order.

Consider standalone air purifiers — especially if you have pets, and/or if family members have allergies. An air purifier in a frequently used room like a bedroom can help lessen allergy symptoms.

Open up when possible — weather permitting. Allowing fresh air to circulate within your home periodically is a great idea, as long as pollen counts aren't too high for those in your family with allergies to plants or trees.

The water you drink

You may not think of water filtration unless you experience an unpleasant taste or odor in your water, but making sure your family is drinking high-quality water is another crucial way to maintain a comfortable home environment. Your family not only drinks water, but uses water in cooking, washing dishes and more - so it's a vital element of your daily life.

Because hydration is so significant for maintaining good health and the taste of water affects everything you cook with it, knowing your home's water is crisp and fresh-tasting can give you enormous peace of mind.

For an easy way to achieve great-tasting water, the Pentair FreshPoint Easy Flow Filtration System is a cinch to install and, unlike many other water filtration systems, doesn't require a separate faucet. You'll have better-tasting, filtered water straight from the existing tap — for up to a year with a single filter. There's no need to drill into cabinets or countertops, so the system is ideal for homeowners and renters looking for better water, without complicated installation. This filtration system is certified to reduce 99 percent of lead, and to reduce other impurities.

With the Pentair FreshPoint Easy Flow Filtration System, you'll have:

Great-tasting water from your existing faucet

Easy installation, even for the mechanically challenged

Everything you need for installation included in the box

A compact design that fits snugly under your sink

An indicator light that tells you when it's time to change the filter

You can install it in your kitchen, bathroom, bar area, or anywhere you want better water. The filter replacement for the system is equally simple: The used filter releases easily with the push of a button, and the new one snaps into place with one simple movement. This is an easier way to get fresher, cleaner water every day, without relying on bottled water or cumbersome water pitchers. Visit Pentair.com/EasyFlow to learn more.

Establish regular cleaning routines

Involve your household in creating a manageable cleaning schedule, highlighting well-used areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, objects, handles, doorknobs and switches is especially important for keeping everyone healthy, so make sure to include those as part of a daily rotation of chores.

Walk through your home as a family to list items and areas that are most often handled to focus everyone's cleaning efforts. Have trouble delegating chores? A chore wheel or chart can help everyone stay on top of their duties. Make sure assigned jobs are age-appropriate and be sure to supervise before they become part of your family's routine!

Brandpoint