Teen’s wardrobe just too much for mom

DEAR ABBY: I am a fairly laid-back mom of a wonderful 13-year-old daughter. Her friends are nice kids, but some of them dress pretty provocatively.

We have been invited to a party at a friend’s home, and my daughter is allowed to bring a friend. The friend she has chosen to invite regularly dresses in very provocative attire, and I would feel more comfortable if I knew she was going to dress “appropriately” by my standards.

Should I talk to the parents? Ask my daughter to tell her friend what the dress code is. Or must I ignore it and hope for the best? — Overexposed in Washington, D.C.

DEAR OVEREXPOSED: I do not think you should talk to the girl’s mother because I don’t think your comments would be warmly welcomed. Instead, ask your daughter to talk to her friend and suggest that for THIS occasion, it would be better to cover up.

DEAR ABBY: Iama 45-year-old male who has been trying for a long time to change my attitude. I’m a really nice person when things are going well, but when things get tough, I turn nasty.

I found out four years ago that I’m bipolar, but I don’t want to use this as an excuse. I also quit weed three years ago in the hope that things would stabilize in my life. I used to get panic attacks, which stopped when I quit weed. Still, I don’t like the way I treat people when my mood is down. Do you have any advice for me? — Meanie in Florida

DEAR MEANIE: Be glad you have pinpointed what your problem actually is. I hope you are receiving treatment for your bipolar disorder. However, if you are not, then your next step should be to find a nearby college that has a department of psychology and talk to a professor there about what low-cost mental health services they may be able to provide.

If this is not an option, inquire at your county’s department of mental health. I wish you luck in your search.

DEAR READERS: Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and no Thanksgiving would be complete without sharing the traditional prayer penned by my dear, late mother:

Oh, Heavenly Father, We thank Thee for food and remember the hungry.

We thank Thee for health and remember the sick.

We thank Thee for friends and remember the friendless.

We thank Thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.

May these remembrances stir us to service.

That Thy gifts to us may be used for others.

Amen.

Have a happy and safe celebration, everyone! — Love, Abby