


Earlier this month, we had a scare. Allison had failed to tell me she stopped taking her birth control pills three months ago. My trust was broken, but most of all, I was scared she might be pregnant. It turned out she wasn't, but because of the incident, I have been skeptical about making love to her. She says this frustrates her, but I have told her the reason I won't is because she refuses to take the pill.


-- Betrayed

Dear Betrayed: Find out why Allison would stop taking her birth control pills without telling you. If there was a medical reason, there are other methods she could have used in their place. If you are planning to attend college, she may have been thinking a baby would "anchor" you to her.

Also, recognize that if you resume having sex with her -- which I emphatically do not recommend -- you won't be able to trust her as far as birth control is concerned, and you will be the one totally responsible for preventing a pregnancy.

The saying "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" applies here.


Dear Abby: I would like your opinion on the craze of trashing the wedding dress. I think it's a deplorable waste. I'm sorry I kept mine and watched it yellow over the years, but I haven't heard a reasonable argument for destroying the gown.

Some women say if they have a daughter, she wouldn't want a dated dress. But if the dress is currently in style, I'm sure some less fortunate girl would love to have it. Rather than trash it, why not donate the dress or sell it and send the money to a woman's charity?

-- Sensible


Dear Abby: My husband refuses to cover his mouth when he sneezes. He thinks that by "stifling" his sneeze, he doesn't expel any particles. Besides being unhealthy, I feel it is gross for the rest of us. Is it possible to sneeze and not spray?

-- Ducking for Shelter

Dear Ducking: No. Some sneezes can travel up to 5 feet, expelling thousands of droplets into the air and onto surfaces. "Stifle" or not, your husband should cover his mouth.
