When asked about raspy voice, person should tell the truth

Dear Abby: Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Wegener’s granulomatosis. Because of the way this illness has affected me, I have a hoarse voice and probably will the rest of my life.

The problem is, I get asked all the time by almost everybody I speak with, “What’s wrong with your voice?” or, “Do you have a cold?” I’m a journalist who is on the phone constantly, so I get asked this question numerous times every day. Whenever I tell the truth, people immediately feel bad, so I usually just lie and say, “Yes, I have a cold.”

My question is, what is the best response to give? I am so tired of being asked.

— Just Tired in the East

Dear Just Tired: I see no way to prevent people who don’t know you from asking the question. However, when they do, I think you should stick with the truth and allow them to own their bad feelings for having asked such a personal question.

Dear Abby: Recently I borrowed a power tool from a neighbor. When I tried to use it, it didn’t work. So I called my neighbor and we tried to fix it with no luck. I said I was sorry. He replied, “You could pay for it.”

It’s a fairly expensive tool, and I did not break it. Do I owe him anything?

— It Didn't Work

Dear Didn't Work: Talk to your neighbor again and repeat what you said. However, this time tell him your apology was not an admission of guilt but condolences and regret that you were the bearer of bad news. Then tell him that you will not be paying for something you didn’t break.

Dear Abby: My wife and I have come across a Chinese restaurant that’s affordable and with delicious food. My wife takes issue with the plastic-foam containers provided for leftovers. She claims they leak chemicals into the leftovers and are environmentally unfriendly.

On our last visit, she brought her own glass foodstorage container to the restaurant. Is it appropriate to bring your own container to restaurants for leftovers? — Leftovers To Go

Dear Leftovers: I don’t know why it would be inappropriate. It seems like an intelligent, environmentally friendly solution to an overcrowded landfill problem, as long as the restaurant doesn’t object.

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 www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.