KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR | Annie's Mailbox Mom sees no reason to cover up around 'William'

Dear Annie: I am a 45-year-old woman. I have two grown daughters in their 20s, and a son, "William," age 14. The women in this family never have felt ashamed of our bodies, nor did we believe it was wrong to be unclothed in front of William.
Four years ago, I remarried, and my husband says it is a bad idea for William to see me naked. My husband was raised with four sisters, and he says he never saw them running around naked. Please keep in mind I'm not talking about constant nudity. It is a once-in-a-while thing, like when I am jumping into the shower, that William may see me in the buff.
When William's friends come over, I make sure I am fully covered. I have spent years explaining to my children that the naked body is nothing to be embarrassed about. My husband thinks this is terrible. William is comfortable, and so am I. We will abide by what you think. Naked at the Beach
Dear Naked: Covering up does not mean you are ashamed of your body. It is an issue of privacy and consideration for the discomfort of others. Although William has no problem with your nudity now, that may not be the case as he gets older. Most teenage boys do not want to see their mothers naked (and if they do, that's a different problem).
Since you are not a nudist and don't make a habit of running around without clothing, it should not be a big deal to throw on a robe or close the door before showering. Do it for your husband's peace of mind, if for no other reason.
Dear Annie: If I read one more letter in your column from a woman complaining about her drug-addicted or unemployed boyfriend, I'm going to scream. There was even one from a woman who said she finally figured out her boyfriend of four years was an alcoholic. It took her four years to figure that out? Spare me!
Why do modern American women continually throw themselves at losers? I'm a 43-year-old man with a good job, in good physical condition, reasonably attractive with a full head of hair, and yet I can't find a date, let alone a woman interested in a real relationship.
You tell me, Annie, what is wrong with American women? Why are they attracted only to men they think they need to save? Lonely in Louisiana
Dear Lonely: We'll soon be receiving mail from women asking why men are attracted only to skinny females who treat them like dirt. While there are plenty of people who behave like moths near a flame, there are just as many who are sensible and kind, looking for a person who will be thoughtful and considerate in return. If you encounter only the former, you need to expand your search.
Dear Annie: Three months ago, we were invited to a bridal shower for a niece. We live six hours away, so we mailed a gift from her registry. The following month, we attended her wedding and had the present delivered from the store. To date, we have not gotten any acknowledgment that either gift was received.
When should our niece acknowledge receipt of the gifts, and how can I find out if they actually arrived? Aunt Who is Still Waiting
Dear Aunt: Gifts should be acknowledged with a written thank-you note as soon as possible. When multiple gifts are received (as at weddings), allow the recipient three months to send an acknowledgment. After that, call the store and ask if the gift was delivered, then call the couple and ask if the gift arrived. It is entirely possible they never received it.
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@com-cast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, Ill. 60611.
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