KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox The only thing they're missing is a sex life

Dear Annie: I am a newlywed, married for four months. I am 48, and my husband, "Gary," is 50. Gary is my dream come true -- very affectionate and attentive. He's a hard worker and helps out with chores around the house and yard. He has a great sense of humor, and we enjoy being together, traveling, visiting friends, family, etc. We rarely argue. The only thing missing is a sex life.
We have been sexually intimate only once since we married. Neither one of us seems to be very motivated in this area, and truthfully, it really doesn't bother me. We are both attractive and fit, and my husband is the sexiest man I've ever known. We touch, tease and flirt all the time, but we don't feel it has to lead to sex. At this point, I believe I could live like this for the rest of my life.
Do you think anything is wrong with us? With so much emphasis placed on the importance of frequent physical intimacy, I am curious if others have successful and happy marriages in spite of the lack of bedroom frolics. Happy in Washington
Dear Happy: There is no law saying how often a couple must have sex. The only issue is compatibility. If you and Gary both are satisfied with your sex life, there is no reason you cannot have a long and happy marriage, regardless of how often, or how infrequently, you engage in intimate relations.
Dear Annie: My husband is retired and financially comfortable, but spends quite a bit of time at the local casino. He doesn't win much, but he thoroughly enjoys himself. I also am retired and spend quite a bit of money helping one of my daughters who is single with three young children. My other children think this is unfair. They say we are spending their inheritance. Are they right? Well-Off Mom
Dear Mom: You do not owe your children an inheritance. It's your money to do with as you please. We will caution you, however, that giving substantial amounts to one child and not the others (no matter how deserving) can build resentment and create a rift between the siblings that will never heal. Be careful.
Dear Annie: Last year, you printed a letter from "Every Mother, USA," who could not find appropriate clothing for her 13-year-old daughter. A new school year is approaching, and I would like to help with some concrete advice for her.
Here in Southern California, girls wear skimpy things year-round. My daughters, ages 13 and 9, do not like these styles. For my older daughter, we buy athletic wear in the latest colors and styles. Athletic wear is more modestly cut and made of less flimsy material than what is usually marketed to girls. We buy sweats, shorts, shirts and jackets at athletic stores and even in boys' departments.
The hardest thing is finding dresses for our younger daughter. There are very few that are appropriate for grade-school girls, which is almost criminal. We find decent dresses at high-end department stores and through major catalogs, such as Lands' End. They're not inexpensive, but we figure the extra money we spend lets our daughters know that their self-respect is worth something. Thanks for giving parents a place to vent on the subject. Modest Mom in L.A. County
Dear Mom: This is why some parents like school uniforms. Here's one more:
Dear Annie: I am a teen who covers up. Here are my suggestions:
UShop at Old Navy. It offers pants with higher waistlines. They also have decent shirts.
UGet off the beaten path. Often, the worst of the revealing clothing is in the big department stores.
UMake your own style. The kids at my school value individuality.
If all else fails, wear T-shirts or hoodies. I do. Modest in Omaha, Neb.
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@com-cast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox™, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, Ill. 60611.
Creators Syndicate