KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox Old problem with former friend has resurfaced

Dear Annie: I am an 18-year-old high school senior, and I have a major problem. I met "Linda" in sixth grade, and we became fast friends. Later that year, a friend of mine said she'd heard a nasty rumor about me that morning.
After some sniffing around, I found out that my good friend, Linda, told this horrible lie about me because she was jealous of my other friendships. Her tactic worked. The gossip ruined every friendship I had -- even the girl who asked me about the rumor never spoke to me again.
Linda transferred to another school after sixth grade, and I thought that was the end of it. However, I got into some trouble, and now Linda and I are both at the same high school. At first, I decided she was a changed girl and everything was hunky-dory. But last week, Linda and I got into a fight on the bus about some little thing and she threatened to use the same rumor against me, this time at our current school.
Annie, Linda is infuriating. She spreads rumors about everyone. She is loud, stupid, annoying and never thinks she is wrong. I am so sick of her that I don't want to be her friend any longer. However, I am afraid if I tell her goodbye, she'll spread this same horrid rumor about me and ruin my life yet again. What should I do? Between a Boulder and a Wall of Fire
Dear Between: We are eager to help any teenager who uses the phrase "hunky-dory." If Linda is as obnoxious as you say, other students will know not to believe her gossip. If necessary, speak up and tell your friends the truth.
It sounds as if Linda has some serious insecurity issues. Perhaps you could gently suggest that she might want to talk to the school counselor about the things that bother her. And it wouldn't hurt for you to enlist the counselor's help as well.
Dear Annie: I love my 75-year-old dad dearly. My children adore him, and we love having him around. The problem? He smells.
I don't know if Dad doesn't bathe enough, or he doesn't wash his clothes as often as he should. I spray a lot of air freshener, but his presence is unbearable. When he leaves our house, the odor lingers for quite a while. I have tried subtle hints. I have purchased cologne, but he doesn't wear it. I even have offered to do his laundry, but he enjoys doing things himself.
Dad has his wits about him, but I believe his senses have been dulled. I love him and am so grateful to have him in our lives, but the problem is getting worse. I do not want to hurt his feelings. Do you have any ideas? Holding My Breath
Dear Breath: We assume Mom is not in the picture. That means you must tell Dad his olfactory sense is not working as well as it once did. Gently let him know you are concerned that other people might begin noticing his body odor. Remind him that he needs to shower daily and wear deodorant, and that undergarments need to be washed after every use. He might be embarrassed (you, too), but it's best if this information comes from a loving daughter and not a stranger.
Dear Annie: Last summer, I was maid of honor in my best friend's wedding. I put a lot of time, effort and expense into throwing her a bridal shower and helping her with wedding plans. Shortly after the wedding, our friendship fizzled, and we have not spoken in months. Yesterday, she sent me a nasty e-mail, demanding that I return the necklace she gave me for being in the wedding party. Do I have to give it back? And should I respond to her e-mail? Frustrated in Pennsylvania
Dear Pa.: The necklace belongs to you. If you want to mend fences, you might send a conciliatory reply to her e-mail. If you can't manage that, ignore her.
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