Mission Statement
March 6, 2001
Welcome to the Ann Landers Rebuttal Page. Whereas I feel compelled to give Ann Landers credit for being a pioneer in the world of syndicated advice columns, I have to say, I feel that her advice often isn't very sound. As a twentysomething New Yorker, I expect that my take on other people's problems is quite different from Ann's. At any rate, I feel that Ann's (and my own) readers can only benefit from multiple points of view, and I tend to think that Ann would agree. I'm not so sure how keen her lawyers are on the idea, though.
Although I can't make any promises, I hope to update this site frequently. The more popular it becomes, the more incentive I will have to keep it fresh for you.
It is my philosophy that advice isn't meant to be taken. It is meant merely to be heard and considered. In the end, your own mind, heart, and guts are what guides you. Listen to them, not us or anyone else.-- Cath
In its inaugural month, The Ann Landers Rebuttal Page has logged over 100 hits, solely through word of mouth! Special thanks to Ann Landers and the Web for linking to the Rebuttal Page . . . shoutouts also to
the RHMB, and to the Rebuttal Page's biggest fan, Beej! Also, to all my friends, who think this page is just awesome! hee hee . . .
Today is Reconciliation Day in the world of Ann Landers. No, Reconciliation Day is not the day when lapsing Catholics run to the confessional and pour their hearts out to their priest in preparation for Easter. (You can breathe a sigh of relief now . . . ) Every year on April 2nd, Ann urges her readers to bury the hatchet, and let go of grudges.
I don't think I have to warn my loyal Rebuttal Page fans that those who attempt to reconcile themselves to their former loved ones on the 2nd of April do so at their own peril -- and with varying degrees of success. Ann's column speaks for itself today, so I've decided to run it, in its entirety, without interruption, excepting this brief preface.
Today's Column: Monday, April 2, 2001
DEAR ANN LANDERS: After reading your column about Reconciliation Day, I knew it was time to mend some old fences. About six years ago, I had a serious falling out with one of my best friends, a man I had known for almost 20 years. I called him, and we finally reconnected. In fact, we connected so well that we were married last year. I can honestly say there were no romantic feelings between us before this, and had I not decided to take that first step, I might have missed out on one of the best things that ever happened to me. - Kelly in Santa Rosa, Calif.
DEAR KELLY: Since 1989, I have suggested that April 2 be set aside as Reconciliation Day. The idea was inspired by a letter from a reader who said her mother and aunt hadn't spoken in years and she missed her cousins. She had friends who had been close at one time, but were now estranged. She was getting older and more aware of how quickly time was passing, and she realized these friends and relatives could be lost for all time. I agreed that a day should be designated when everyone would vow to write a letter or make a phone call to mend a strained or broken relationship. It could also be the day on which we would all agree to accept the olive branch extended by a former friend. To be able to forgive can be enormously healing and life enhancing. It's the best example of casting your bread upon the waters and getting back caviar sandwiches. Here's one more letter on the subject. While not all relationships can be mended, it's always worth a try:
DEAR ANN LANDERS: When we were younger, my husband and I used to be very close friends with a couple in town. We had a few overheated arguments and went our separate ways. Now our children are almost grown, and I have been thinking about "Myrtle" and "Louis" a great deal. Last year, you printed a column about Reconciliation Day, urging readers to mend past conflicts. At that time, I had just undergone major surgery, and it made me realize how uncertain life can be. Your column inspired me to contact Myrtle and try to work things out. I found her e-mail address and sent her a note. Well, that turned out to be a big mistake. When Myrtle received my e-mail, she called a mutual friend to get my unlisted phone number. She then called my house and screamed at me for 15 minutes. Ann, I am grateful to be alive after my surgery and have learned to appreciate the small things in life - a sunrise, a warm cup of coffee on a cold day, and the friends and family who were by my side. I am glad I made the effort to reconnect with Myrtle because I will have no regrets about what might have been. I am sorry she was not interested, but I hope my story won't stop you from encouraging others to reach out to those with whom they have lost touch. - Connie in California
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Ann's words are copyright 2001, Creators Syndicate, Inc. Cath's words copyright 2001, Catherine McGivney. Cath has never sought, and Ann Landers and Creators Syndicate have never granted, permission to use the Ann Landers column on this website.