Former Plain Jane now obsessed with her looks
Dear Abby: When I was in my teens, and even into my 20s and 30s, I was a Plain Jane. I had little self-confidence. But I have gotten better looking as I’ve aged. Now in my 50s, I am better looking than many women my age or even younger. Men definitely notice me, and I love it. My problem is, I’m now obsessed with my appearance. I have even considered cosmetic surgery. I don’t want to be the shallow person I see I’m becoming. What can I do? Late Bloomer Dear Late Bloomer: It isn’t shallow to have the feelings you are experiencing. But please remember that beauty is more than what’s on the surface. Perhaps it’s time to start concentrating on qualities that accentuate your inner rather than external beauty, because charm lasts longer than beauty. Cosmetic surgery can do wonders for a person’s sagging ego. But your appearance should not be the focus of your life because, frankly, it isn’t healthy. Dear Abby: I am writing in response to the letter from “Military Service Marker.” When my uncle, a military veteran, passed away, he was without a military service marker, too. His two kids (my cousins) didn’t bother to obtain one, probably out of sheer laziness. Feeling that it was important, I contacted the VA. I obtained the record of his honorable discharge and his death certificate, filled out the appropriate paperwork and my uncle got the marker to which he was entitled. It was delivered directly to the cemetery, and the only cost was the installation. I felt proud about having done something for a deserving vet!
Bill B. in Missouri Dear Bill: My thanks to you and to the scores of other readers who wrote to share this information. It is important to know that relatives of deceased military veterans can receive these military markers at no cost. Contact the cemetery, the VA at www.cem. va.gov/hmm, or a VFW or American Legion post for assistance. Dear Abby: I need advice on whether to contact an old friend who backstabbed me years ago with my former business partner. I’m trying to get back into the field, and he has a lot of contacts that could help me. I’m not sure if I should contact him because of what he did to me.
Uncertain in California Dear Uncertain: Frankly, I think it would be a waste of time. Leopards don’t usually change their spots. If you expect someone who backstabbed you once in business to become generous and helpful, you are dreaming. Find a way to network that he can’t “taint,” because if he can, he will.