KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox A visit today would mean a great deal to a vet

Dear Readers: Happy Valentine's Day to one and all, and especially to our veterans. If you have the time, please try to visit the nearest VA hospital and wish the vets a Happy Valentine's Day in person. It will mean a great deal.
Dear Annie: Every year near Valentine's Day, I can't help but be a little discouraged. I am an 18-year-old female, high-school student, loving my senior year and hanging out with all of my terrific friends. However, there is just one thing that sits in the back of my mind -- I have never been kissed. Not even close.
I know I shouldn't let this bother me, but I want a chance at love. I'm a hopeless romantic, and not having had my first kiss makes me wish even harder that it would happen. Am I wrong to be so sappy? Never Been Kissed
Dear Nevery Been Kissed: It's perfectly normal to want romance in your life, but we assume you are a little particular about who might be kissing you. That means you need to work on relationships and stop focusing on the hearts and flowers.
This is the time for your terrific friends to step up. Is there something about you that keeps the boys at a distance? Ask your friends to give you the lowdown and tell you how to improve your chances of finding a boyfriend. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn't rush into any relationship that isn't right for you. Better to wish for romance than regret you found it. Your time will come.
Dear Annie: Recently I went on a trip to Florida with my husband's sister, "Ella." My family was having a reunion, and my father paid all our expenses. I asked Ella to come with me because I like her very much and, from the first moment I met her, I felt we were good friends.
The entire time we were in Florida, Ella did nothing but talk on the phone. One thing led to another, and on our way back, we had a falling out. She spit out that none of her family liked me and she never wants me to step foot in her mother's house again.
I have thought about her attitude, and I think we were both jealous of other developing friendships at the time. I have tried to talk to her about it, but she's not speaking to me right now. My husband has indicated an interest in visiting his parents soon, but it would be uncomfortable if I am not welcome.
I really miss Ella. She always has been like a sister to me, and I don't know what to do. Lost Without My Best Friend
Dear Lost: Even sisters can have arguments and say things they do not mean.
Call or e-mail Ella, and tell her you miss her and would like to start fresh. We're hoping she misses you, too, and will come around. Either way, do not let her keep you and your husband from visiting his family. That's not her call to make.
Dear Annie: May I sound off on a pet peeve? Please, dog owners, when guests arrive at your home, put your animal in another room or outside. I like dogs, but I do not appreciate being jumped on, licked, sniffed, followed around or yapped at. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to try and visit while your dog is climbing all over me -- especially when it is the size of a small horse?
Owners seem to think we find their pets as endearing as they do. We don't. Thanks for letting me sound off. Fed Up in Wisconsin
Dear Wisconsin: Many people also are allergic to animals. Considerate owners will ask if you have a problem with dogs. If you have friends who insist on letting the dog climb all over you, offer to visit with them at another location.
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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