KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox Parents have best interests at heart

Dear Annie: I'm 16 and a sophomore in high school. I'm very shy and have a limited group of close friends. Recently, I met a great guy who also is very shy, and we have a lot in common. I usually clam up around people, but I have no problem opening up to "Zeke." We get along great and have fun together, and we never run out of things to talk about.
The problem is, Zeke is 18 and just graduated. My dad insists he's too old for me, and now I'm not allowed to see him again. I've told Dad he is welcome to meet Zeke. I've even asked if I could invite Zeke over for a nice family dinner where we could all get to know him, but Dad won't hear of it. He says I'll just have to get over him and find someone my own age.
I don't know what I'll do if I'm forced to stay away from Zeke. I would be happy if we could just see each other as friends, but Dad won't allow that, either. Do you have any suggestions? Desperate in Ohio
Dear Desperate: It may be hard to see right now, but Dad really does have your best interests at heart. He thinks a college man may put pressure on you to have a more intimate relationship than you are ready for, and you know that's a genuine possibility. However, we think your offer to have Zeke come over for a family dinner is a good idea, and we hope Dad will change his mind about that.
Either way, you can remain friends with Zeke through phone calls and e-mail, and once you graduate, you will be free to see each other socially if you are still interested. Hang in there, honey.
Dear Annie: I recently shaved my head for a cancer fundraiser at my college. I was happy to do it and, though it was quite an adjustment, everyone at school was very supportive.
I am now home for the summer, and my hair is just starting to grow back. I can tell that neighbors and acquaintances are startled to see me with such short hair, as it was quite long before. Some compliment me on the new style, but I know it currently looks awful and can tell they think so, too.
I am becoming really self-conscious and want to explain to them that I shaved my head for a good reason, but I don't want to blow my own horn about the brave thing I did. Any ideas? Bald in Boulder, Colo.
Dear Bald: You don't have to say or do anything. If people are shocked by your hairstyle, who cares? You know why you shaved it and should hold your head up with pride. In a few weeks, it will have grown out sufficiently to be less surprising. Of course, if your parents would like to inform the neighbors about your good deed, let them. It's a parent's prerogative to brag a little.
Dear Annie: My 90-year-old mother also fell prey to sweepstakes entries. She lost thousands of dollars buying magazines, videos, books and useless household items in a vain attempt to win money. When we tried to reason with her, it only made her lie to us.
Our solution was to contact Publishers Clearing House, Reader's Digest and all the other companies individually, by phone or Internet, and ask that Mom's name be removed from their mailing lists. We asked for confirmation by fax or e-mail, and included a stern warning that legal action will be taken if they do not comply. It takes four to eight weeks for it to work.
We regularly check Mom's mail for sweepstakes offers, and although she still manages to enter an occasional contest, the costs are now nominal. I hope this helps another family. Shame on these companies that prey on our elderly. Sad But Wiser
Dear Sad: Our thanks to you and others who wrote in with similar suggestions.
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