Annie 1.30.09

Dear Annie: My son, who is now 18 and still living at home, was sexually abused by one of his friends when he was in eighth grade. He absolutely refused counseling at that time. I recently found pictures of kiddie porn (girls about 12 or 13 years of age) on his computer. I am terrified of where this is leading. Is there some kind of online support group I can contact as to what to do next? — Missouri Mom Dear Mom: We’re sure you realize your son should have had counseling in eighth grade whether he thought it was necessary or not. It would still be beneficial for him to get help. Young boys who are sexually abused can grow up with immature and unresolved issues about sex, and they need therapy. Your son is now an adult. Kiddie porn is illegal. If it is found on his computer, he will be arrested. Please contact the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (rainn.org) at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) and ask for help. Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Won’t Be Shopping Until Things Change,” who bemoaned today’s fashions and how inappropriate they are for menopausal baby boomers. I have wanted to say that for years. My friends and I have money to spend but can’t find clothes we want to wear. Manufacturers are losing a great opportunity. We like to look our best at work and social occasions. We don’t want to look cheap and sleazy. We won’t wear low-cut tops that show our wrinkled necks. We are not in favor of ruffles around the waist or hips, and I personally have been looking for gray shoes forever. It seems simple to me — classic, clean lines with a bit of glam. If they created a good line of clothing for the middle-aged, they’d become heroes and make a fortune. — Northwest Boomer Dear Boomer: That letter really hit a nerve. Read on: From St. Louis: I am short and must shop in the petite section of the store. Retailers seem to think all short women are older than 75 or younger than 18. When I questioned one store manager about the lack of choices, she said, “There’s not much demand for it.” I responded, “You have to stock something we want to buy.” Chicago: I’m a senior, overweight, pear-shaped female and am grateful I bought lots of pants before they were redesigned to have a low-rise contour of some persuasion. Even skirts and workout pants have climbed on the low-rise bandwagon. Borden, Ind.: I buy very few clothes and only when I absolutely have to. Why in the world do manufacturers think larger women want low-cut necklines? Cleavage is not flattering to us. Most of the tops are made with cheap looking fabrics and baby-doll styles that don’t even look good on baby dolls. Sometimes I find a style I like and then see the same style in women’s sizes, but for $5 more. If manufacturers say it takes more fabric, then smaller sizes should be half-price. Midwest: The majority of women in the U.S. are older, overweight and have lots of money to spend. We want decent clothing that doesn’t emphasize every bulge. We have no interest in showing our legs above the knee. We are looking for classic styles in classic fabrics. Warren, Ohio: The plus-size clothing lines near me have been reduced to a few racks. One department store has a small selection of coats in plus sizes and most are short with fur all around. Just what I don’t want. I do not want form-fitting sweaters, empire waistlines or those that emphasize my bust because they tie in the back. Texas: I am 61, post-menopausal and have lots of disposable income. I would love new clothes, but I have trouble finding anything I like that fits and looks good. Even my 33-year-old daughter agrees. No wonder there are so many sales and leftovers at the end of each season. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. Published in The Messenger 1.30.09

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