I know her stubbornness has other causes, including pleasing family members who are deeply religious and have always resented my father's agnosticism. But time is running out, and Mom has only become more aggressive. If I resist, there will be huge consequences. I don't feel I can take part in such an important religious event if I am not fully committed to it. I even talked to Mom about postponing it for a few years, which would be allowed in our diocese, but she rejected that idea. How can I convince her that she is being unreasonable? — Frustrated Son

Dear Frustrated: You can't. Your mother is in panic mode, frightened for your religious future and concerned that her family will disapprove of the way she raised you. Your best bet is to talk to your priest and ask him to intervene. While he is unlikely to support your decision not to be confirmed, he may be able to convince Mom that waiting is in everyone's best interest, and she is more apt to listen to him.

Dear Annie: I am a senior citizen with an issue regarding children who use the restroom without being educated or properly trained in etiquette.

I have seen kids standing three feet from the toilet (because they are too short to use the urinal) and spraying the seat. This is not a competition to see how far away you can be and still hit the target. Some parents are concerned about germs and tell their kids not to touch the seat, so you can imagine the messes I have witnessed when using a public restroom. Also, please teach the child to flush after himself.

I realize this is a particularly difficult issue for single mothers who can't go into the men's room with their sons. Please address this. — T.S.

Dear T.S.: We appreciate your concern, and we hope parents are paying attention. However, we're fairly certain that most parents already teach their sons how to use the toilet, because they don't want to clean up a mess at home, either. Public restrooms pose difficulties because opposite-sex parents cannot supervise, and the kids can become either anxious or reckless. But not all accidents are caused by young children. Adults do their share, too.

Dear Annie: Your response to "Concerned Cutter in N.Y." to post a sign in his barbershop saying that cellphone use is prohibited while in the chair is good. I have a better one.

There's an old saying that time is money. It certainly takes more time to cut hair if the patron is chatting on a cellphone. How about posting a sign that says: Haircuts: $30; Haircuts While Using Cellphone: $50

The next time a customer chats, instead of being annoyed, the barber can say, "I just made another $20." I doubt he would lose customers if he is lighthearted about it. — Benicia, Calif.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to [email protected], or write to: Annie's Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. 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.