Teenager sports skivvies in front of strangers

DEAR ABBY » I don’t know what to do about my 18-yearold niece. She walks around the house in her underwear. It wouldn’t matter, I suppose, if it were just in front of immediate family living there, but she also does it in front of workmen, the cleaning women, answering the door, going out to get the mail, etc. I’m really disgusted. I spoke to my brother (her father) briefly about it. His response was, “She lives here.” Is there anything I can do or say?

— Modest in Massachusetts

DEAR MODEST » Yes, there is. If her family doesn’t object to her walking around the house in her underwear, that’s their prerogative. But “someone” should remind your niece that doing it in front of workmen, household staff and the mail carrier is DISRESPECTFUL TO THEM.

DEAR ABBY » My friend is always sending me pics of food and beverages he thinks look appetizing.

The problem is, the cut of steak he usually eats is cheap and unhealthy-looking. I try to tell him that better-quality meat often has less fat and cholesterol, but he tunes me out. He drinks a lot of wine, too, and I don’t think that’s good either. I’m trying to help him because I am concerned about his health. How can I keep him from a cardiovascular emergency?

— Healthier Eater

DEAR HEALTHIER » Your friend is an adult. You can’t “keep him” from doing anything. Because he isn’t open to your helpful suggestions and the photos make you upset, quit looking at them. Accept that when he makes the decision to change his eating and drinking habits, the motivation has to come from within.