Safeguard credit cards to reduce the risk of identity theft

Dear Abby: I have been blessed with a gorgeous 4-year-old daughter who is (even more importantly) smart, funny and kind, but I have an issue. Every time we go anywhere or meet someone new, the person feels the need to comment on her beauty. We receive comments like, “Just wait till she’s older. Boys will be all over her!” This happens not only with older distant relatives and my in-laws, but also random people at the grocery store.

I understand they are trying to pay a compliment, but I find it disturbing that they are thinking about my little girl in this way. I’m tired of it, but I’m not sure of the appropriate response when people make those comments.

Dear Protective: Talk privately with the relatives and tell them you don’t want them filling her head with that nonsense before she’s even in elementary school. Tell them you prefer she be praised instead for her brains, her manners and her niceness, which will reinforce the qualities you are trying to instill in your daughter.

Dear Abby: I dated a guy who was in a nasty divorce and custody battle. He gained primary custody, but his ex wouldn’t stop taking him to court. She was very unstable.

After four YEARS of being patient, it became frustrating. One day I pointed out that the situation was taking up all his time and energy, and I wasn’t getting the attention I needed. I sarcastically suggested maybe he should shift his full attention to the situation, and we should take a break.

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He agreed (via text) that he had a lot going on, then immediately stopped communicating with me. I texted, called, sent cards and received no replies. It has been a year, and I feel like I can’t move on without closure or at least a conversation. I have tried dating at the suggestion of friends, but it doesn’t work because I still love him. What steps can I take to move on?

Dear Frozen: Painful as it may be, accept it. Give yourself a specific period in which to mourn and tell yourself the man is dead. Wear black, toss out any mementos, and get together with a few close friends for a memorial for what might have been. Then “bury” him with as many tears as necessary and look resolutely ahead. (I did this once many years ago, and it worked.)

DEAR READERS: Identity theft is a big national problem, and it’s important that you protect your identity and your credit cards. When you get a new card, sign it in ink ASAP and record all of the info and then store it in a safe place at home. Use these guidelines too:

Don’t lend credit cards to anyone. Never leave your card receipts behind where people can find them.

Rip up copies or incorrect receipts, but save major receipts for your tax files.

Don’t ever give out your credit card number over the phone, unless you have made the call. Scammers call claiming they are checking your record and numbers. Also, never give out your personal information without confirming the caller’s ID.

Open billing statements as soon as you get them to check all the charges. If there are any errors, call the credit card company right away.

DEAR READERS: As we know, appliances break down and need repairs, which can be expensive, particularly when the appliance’s warranty has expired. Be sure to keep the booklets that come with new appliances, because you can check the troubleshooting sections to find out what steps to take before calling for a repair service.

If your appliance is on the fritz, check to make certain the appliance is properly plugged in. Then examine your house’s fuses to be sure that one is not blown.

And look to see if the lid or doors are ajar or not closed tightly. If your appliance still isn’t working properly, it might be time to call a repair service.

HELOISE

DEAR READERS: First, remove all of the sources of the smell — trash, soda bottles, leftover food containers, gym bag, smelly shoes and anything else that shouldn’t be left in your car. Vacuum the upholstery and the floor to get rid of dirt and debris.

To make your vehicle smell better, pour baking soda in a cup and place in a cup holder. It will act as a continual deodorizer.

Put several fabric-softener sheets underneath the seats. Wash smelly rubber mats with soap and hot water.

Rinse well and let dry before putting back inside.

DEAR READERS: Bacteria can grow on plastic or wooden cutting boards. After using, you should always wash and sanitize to eliminate bacteria. Here’s how to properly clean a cutting board.

First, wash the board in hot, soapy water. Then soak it for about 2 minutes in a mixture of 3 tablespoons of household bleach and 1 gallon of water.

Rinse and dry with a paper towel.