Classic Ann Landers

Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: A friend sent me these "Tips for Life," and I hope you think they are good enough to print. — Ronita

Dear Ronita: They are more than tips; they're a solid blueprint. Thanks for sending them on.

Tips for Life

1. Give people more than they expect, and do so cheerfully.

2. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you'd like.

3. Don't say "I love you" unless you really mean it.

4. When you say "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

5. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

6. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely.

7. In disagreements, fight fair. No name calling.

8. Don't judge people by their relatives.

9. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

10. Call your mom.

11. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

12. Don't let a little squabble damage a good friendship.

13. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

14. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

15. Marry someone you love to talk to. As you get older, good conversation will be one of the principal elements of an enduring relationship.

16. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

17. Read more books, and watch less TV.

18. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation.

19. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.

20. Mind your own business.

21. Trust in God, but lock your car.

Dear Ann Landers: My sister is a dwarf and has been confined to a wheelchair for the past nine years. Since I was a small child, I have hated the ignorance with which she is treated. Even when she was able to walk, people would stare at her, step away and even pull their children back as if she had a contagious disease.

Restaurant servers ignore her or ask me what she wants to eat. When that happens, I say, "Why don't you ask her?" This startles them. They apparently don't think she is able to understand or speak. She has had appointments with physicians who rarely talk to her and direct the conversation to whoever is with her. You would think doctors would be less ignorant, but they are not.

It disgusts me when adults behave in this manner. I can only imagine how it makes my sister feel. Please remind your readers that all people deserve to be treated with respect. — Ignorance Hurts

Dear I.H.: Children need to be taught at an early age how they should behave when they encounter someone who is "different." The first lesson is: "Do not stare. If you have questions, ask me later, and I will explain it to you."

When adults treat a physically challenged person as if he or she were brain-damaged, speak up and set them straight. If that individual is embarrassed, fine. The lesson will make an even deeper impression.

Lonesome? Take charge of your life and turn it around. Write to receive Ann Landers' booklet "How To Make Friends and Stop Being Lonely." Send a self-addressed, long, business-sized envelope and a check or money order for $4.25 (this includes postage and handling) to: Friends, c/o Ann Landers, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS (R)

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM