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
Visit Ann Landers and the Web, for all your Ann Landers needs . . .
DEAR ANN LANDERS: My wife and I are expecting triplets. We were both so excited that we told our family members and friends immediately. We were certain they would rejoice with us. We were wrong. The comments went like this: "You're really going to have your hands full," or "I hope you will have plenty of help." And, "Catch up on your sleep now because there's not going to be much down the road." Why are people so mean? What can we say when we get such comments? - Rejoicing East of the Rockies
DEAR REJOICING: These people are not trying to be mean. They are overwhelmed by the thought of handling three newborns at the same time and assume you would be, too. Simply smile and tell them, "We're going to manage just fine. So many of our good friends have volunteered to help during the first few months. We hope you will be among them."
DEAR REJOICING: See my column of March 21st. Ann's changed her tune.
DEAR ANN LANDERS:I am a personal fitness trainer and have a client who has recently revealed to me that he's gay. This man is a good friend, and I like him a lot, but he insists on hugging me hello and goodbye and often holds my hand on our way to the gym. I am not homophobic, but this much touching makes me uncomfortable. How can I let him know without insulting him? - Straight in New York
DEAR STRAIGHT IN N.Y.: Tell him you want to be a friend, but the hugging and hand-holding makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps he'd be willing to substitute a handshake or an occasional pat on the shoulder.
DEAR STRAIGHT IN N.Y.: Yeah. Although manly-man hugging's had a sudden surge in popularity (according to a column in one of my dad's smoking magazines,) handholding's still really, really gay. If you're not down with it, say something.
By the way, I read this letter to my mom and she thinks it's an obvious fake . . . It's my policy to respond to all letters as if they were genuine, because god, the fake ones are so much more entertaining.
DEAR ANN LANDERS:You recently printed a letter from someone complaining about rude cashiers. In your response, you said, "Your letter could have come from Anywhere, U.S.A., or Canada." Well, it could not have come from Hawaii. When I am in a supermarket line here in Honolulu, I never experience anything but patience and cheerfulness from cashiers and customers. The best example of the aloha spirit is when there is a tourist in line who wants to buy a discounted item. The cashier will ask a regular customer to use his or her discount card so the guest can save money. And if the old lady ahead of me is counting out her pennies, that's OK, too. It gives all of us in line some time to chat. Besides, next time, it may be one of us who has to open the piggy bank. - Love Living in Hawaii
DEAR HAWAII: Although I've never done any supermarket shopping in Hawaii, I have visited Honolulu many times and always marveled at the kindness and courtesy of the individuals I encountered.
DEAR HAWAII: I haven't been to Hawaii yet, but one of my favorite things to do on vacation is to go to the local supermarket. (I'm not kidding, either. Did you know that British supermarkets carry hard liquor?)
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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.