DEAR ABBY: Why do you perpetuate the idea that frequent sex is "normal"? You seem to believe that any other arrangement is so bizarre that people ought to see doctors or lawyers for a cure or a divorce.
Millions of couples have infrequent sex - or none at all - and they are happy. For you to suggest that sex should be at the top of the list with air and water is a peculiar blind spot of yours.A streetwise punk uses this "sex-is-normal" argument to convince his virginal girlfriend to give in by implying that she is weird if she doesn't.
Let people off the hook, Abby. Tell them that sexual frequency is a private arrangement that each couple must decide for themselves. Who cares if it's once a decade, or never again, if they're content with their lives?
Wiser people stay married - sex or no sex. Apparently that's news to you, as you advised "Practically Untouched in Tulsa" that if her husband didn't see a doctor, she should see a lawyer. - JAN IN BOULDER, COLO.
DEAR JAN: Sex is a normal part of marriage, and it's true that some people require more sex than others. But "Practically Untouched" complained that her husband of two years had made love to her five times in the last six months. (She had gift-wrapped herself in Saran Wrap and greeted him at the door with a martini, and he had said, "Hi. What's for supper?")
This couple obviously is not operating on the same frequency, hence my suggestion that if they couldn't "fix" this marriage by seeing a doctor, they should see a lawyer.
DEAR ABBY: I bought your cookbooklet last year, and I just love it! Your recipe for chocolate cake is superb. I must have made a dozen chocolate cakes since I got it. Also, the sugar cookies are wonderful.
I thought my chicken soup was good, but your mother's recipe is better. Are you going to publish another cookbooklet? I certainly hope so, as I would enjoy having more of your recipes. - MRS. ELEANOR ZAGORSKI, ST. FRANCIS, WIS.
DEAR ELEANOR: I have had many letters from women (and a few men) asking me when I am going to publish a Dear Abby's Cookbooklet II. Your letter gave me the push I needed. I am going to work on it, as of now.
Please be patient. Every recipe must be tested, and I want this one to be as good as my first - if not better.
DEAR ABBY: My best friend is getting married, but she's not having a wedding. Some of her girlfriends want to give her a bridal shower, but she says it's not appropriate. Is this true? - HER BEST FRIEND
DEAR FRIEND: Not necessarily. If her friends want to honor her with a luncheon or dinner and shower her with gifts in anticipation of her upcoming wedding, go right ahead and do it. I think it's a lovely idea.