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: My 72-year-old mother has been married for 35 years to my stepfather, "Myron." According to Mom, the first few years of their marriage were happy and loving. But the closeness changed soon after, and they have been living at opposite ends of their duplex for most of their marriage.

Ann, my mother always had a number of cats running around in her home, but over the past few years, she has begun taking in every stray that comes along. At one point, we removed 23 cats from her bedroom. Her house smells so terrible that many family members do not visit. They say, "You can't breathe in there." Also, my mother is always sick with "colds."

Myron has confided that he is getting fed up with the cats being the center of Mom's life. Please tell us what to do. — Homewrecking Cats in Renton, Wash.

Dear Renton: Sometimes, we have to be cruel to be kind. This is one of those times. Call the Board of Health and report those appalling conditions. The authorities will come out and remove all but a few cats. Your mother may be upset, but she'll get over it, and you will have done your duty.

P.S.: Has your mother seen a doctor lately?

Dear Ann Landers: Please tell me if this is something new in medical circles and I am out of the loop.

I happen to be one of those people who get nervous when I have to see a doctor for any reason. Lately, it has become the practice of my various doctors to invite guests into the examining room. Now, I am subjected to a parade of pharmaceutical salesmen and an assortment of other strangers who have been invited in to observe me during my examination.

Is it not extremely presumptuous of a doctor to invite anyone but his nurse into the examining room, especially during a breast exam or Pap test? The last time, the doctor did not ask my permission until the guest was already present. I can understand having others in the room if you are teaching at a hospital, but is this appropriate in a private office? Please tell physicians that medical exams are not a spectator sport, and that some of us resent the intrusion. — Overexposed in Ohio

Dear Overexposed: You have every right to feel violated. It would have been appropriate to express your feelings to the doctor at the time. Even at most teaching hospitals, patients are asked in advance if they mind being observed by medical students. But pharmaceutical salesmen? Give me a break!

Feeling pressured to have sex? How informed are you? Write for Ann Landers' booklet "Sex and the Teenager." Send a self-addressed, long, business-sized envelope and a check or money order for $3.75 (this includes postage and handling) to: Teens, c/o Ann Landers, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. 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)

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