Teen’s flannel shirts become focus of fight with stepmom

Dear Abby: I am 17 and my sister, “Cheryl,” is 16. She likes wearing flannel shirts, black leggings or jeans everywhere, especially to school, because they are comfortable.

Our stepmom tells her she looks like a lesbian and that she gets one day out of the school week to dress like a “slob,” and the rest of the days she has to dress nice.

Cheryl argues that she’s just going to school, a lot of other kids dress that way and nobody cares. My stepmom argues that she cares, and she thinks the way Cheryl looks at school is a reflection on her. My dad doesn’t say anything because he’s low-key and agrees with her, but he isn’t as mean about it.

My sister doesn’t like being called a lesbian, and it makes me really mad, but my stepmom is mean and will find some way to ground me if I argue with her. What do I do? — Don’t Want To Argue

Dear Don’t Want To

Argue: Your stepmother appears to be a homophobe. The only way your sister’s attire could reflect on your stepmother would be if she went to school unwashed and wearing soiled, tattered clothing. If Cheryl were a lesbian, it would be nothing to be ashamed of.

Children who are called names and bullied as your stepmother is doing can become depressed to the point of self-harm or risky behavior. Because you are afraid you will be punished if you speak up, find a teacher or counselor at school you can confide in. Your parents could benefit from an intervention and so could Cheryl.

Dear Abby: I have been overweight more than half my life and I’m planning to have gastric sleeve surgery soon.

Although I have gone through all of the required office visits, I haven’t made a final decision because I’m nervous about it.

No one knows except my husband. My parents are elderly and would worry, so I don’t want them to know. As for my children, I know they won’t like it, but I don’t mind their knowing. I will (hopefully) lose 60 to 70 pounds.

Should I tell them in advance or wait until it becomes obvious? I’m a private person and don’t want anyone outside my immediate family knowing. I certainly don’t want any negative or snarky remarks.

Am I being ridiculous, selfish or silly? If I don’t disclose, how will I explain how I lost the weight without spilling my secret if someone asks? — Ready For A Change Down South

Dear Ready: A way to do that would be to reply, “I have made the decision not to discuss my weight anymore. Please respect that.” Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 or visit