Teen’s wardrobe choices are too much for one mom

Dear Abby: I am a mom of a wonderful 13-year-old daughter. Her friends are nice kids, but some of them dress provocatively. I have seen them wear short shorts that are very “cheeky” and tops that expose their assets.

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 invited regularly dresses in very provocative attire, and I would feel more comfortable if I knew she was going to dress “appropriately.”

Should I talk to the parents? Ask my daughter to tell her friend what the dress code is and to convey “Wear something that doesn’t show your butt cheeks”? Or must I ignore it and hope for the best? — Overexposed In Washington, D.C.

Dear Overexposed: Many teenage girls let it all hang out in an effort to attract attention. Ask your daughter to talk to her friend and suggest that for this occasion, it would be better to cover up more than she usually does.

Dear Abby: I am a 45-year-old male who has been trying to change my attitude. I’m a 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, which has helped a lot. Still, I don’t like the way I treat people when my mood is down. I don’t have the means for therapy, so that’s not an option. — Meanie In Florida

Dear Meanie: You have already pinpointed what your problem is. I hope you are receiving treatment for your bipolar disorder. If you are not, then your next step should be to find a nearby college that has a psychology department 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. You may be surprised to find that help is available on a sliding fee scale.

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

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

www.DearAbby.com