Columns

Tight Pants and Packed Pockets May Cause Tingling, Numbness

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have had meralgia paresthetica for two and a half years. I have all the classic symptoms: tingling, pins and needles, some numbness and stinging in the top and side of my left thigh. I have tried numerous exercises and been treated by a physical therapist and an acupuncturist. Nothing has helped. My doctor has suggested the possibility of medication and/or an injection. I am 70 years old, do not smoke, am not overweight and am extremely active. This condition has made it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. What are your thoughts? — K.B. ANSWER: Meralgia ...

Couple Planning Wedding Want to Keep Haters Away

DEAR ABBY: My fiance and I have begun planning our wedding for next year. We have both been married before, so the family doesn’t think we should have a “big” celebration. Mom actually told me that it can’t be as special as my first one. While lying in bed the other night, we were discussing how to address people’s opinions because we don’t want our wedding day to be full of people complaining about being there, choices we made regarding our celebration and thinking they need to give us a gift. We would like to include a “disclaimer” saying something like, “If ...

Young Man Debates Merits of Keeping His Virginity

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 28-year-old male who is still a virgin. I always wanted to be intimate with a virgin female for my first time, but I have never met one. I’ve had opportunities for sex but refrained because she wasn’t a virgin. The older I have gotten, the harder it has become to achieve my dream of being someone’s first and sharing this wonderful experience together. I doubt there are any virgin females my age left. I know I have missed out on an important aspect of life that so many others have had. Should I start dating younger women, or let go of my fairy-tale first-time ...

Hard Sugar

Dear Heloise: When my brown sugar turned into hard lumps, I put it in the microwave and it softened, temporarily. I decided to put the hardened sugar in plastic resealable bowls with lids, and surprise! It softened right up and was ready to use. — Anna in New York ONE-POT CHICKEN Dear Heloise: I’m looking for an easy, all-in-one chicken recipe. Do you have one I can try? — Gayle in Tennessee Gayle, I have one that is a favorite with my readers. Here it is. You’ll need: 1 teaspoon oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup diced potato (1/2-inch cubes) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 ...

CDC Office Protocols

Dear Readers: The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused now-reopened businesses to rethink office space. What changes should be made, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)? Let’s take a look: * Desks and chairs are 6 feet apart, per social distancing protocols. * Employees’ work schedules are staggered so they are working different hours. * Employees must wash their hands frequently. * Cloth face coverings are a must. * Kitchen or snack areas cannot be shared. * Temperature checks are required of all employees, and anyone with symptoms ...

Dad’s ‘Tall Tales’ Come Up Ever Shorter on the Truth

DEAR ABBY: My father, who is in his 60s, has always been a storyteller, but since retirement his tales have gotten longer, and so has his nose. I suspect he’s concerned about his waning influence in the world and that’s why he puffs himself up. He tells people he has academic degrees he hasn’t earned, takes credit for coining phrases that predated him and claims the hero role in events he couldn’t possibly have participated in. Most of the time I let it go. But sometimes he starts spouting “facts” that are not only untrue but also potentially harmful, or he takes credit ...