Dear Margo® by Margo Howard

Dear Margo: I'm 12 and getting ready to go back to school. I do not want to hear everyone ranting about their freakin' opinions! I don't want to be mean, but my best friend, let's say "Cassie," is a Hard Core Republican and Hard Core Christian. I'm Christian, too, but I'm willing to accept different ideas into my life (although I am Independent/Green Party). Like seriously every time I bring up how we'll be moving to a bigger school, Cassie rants about how "they're forcing us to take Evolution." She's also against EVERYTHING to do with gays. I told her to see "Milk" and how they fought for their rights just like everyone else, and she watched the trailer! I asked her what she thought, and she said, "Wow, I've never seen so many **** in one place." OMG, Margo, I literally didn't talk to her for two months. What I'm basically asking is how can I get Cassie to turn it down a notch. Her attitude toward everything she doesn't like is seriously injuring our friendship. Cassie isn't the only one. Last year people in my class were constantly arguing at the lunch table and recess about how their thoughts are the only right ones. — Hippie Down The Street.

Dear Hip: It's hard to convince opinionated people that what they think may not be the way things are. At your age, I'm pretty sure a lot of what these kids say comes from their parents. If you find that Cassie is driving you crazy with what you view as nutty opinions, I suspect it will, indeed, affect the friendship. The bad news is that people a lot older than 12 will have attitudes and beliefs you will find unacceptable. The good news is that when you're out of middle school, your exposure to more people will broaden, and you will be able to find friends who essentially see life as you do.

Focus Interruptus

Dear Margo: I like to read. I read for enjoyment. I bring books with me on planes, bus trips and for slow times at work. It really irritates me when I'm engrossed in a book and someone starts babbling to me about the weather or equally unimportant blah-blah. To be fair, some people will ask about the book I'm reading, but that is rare. I have plenty of face time with real people and enjoy that, too. I've met many interesting people in my travels. Can you give me a polite response to people who jump in on my reading time? I don't want to cut off what may be a fortunate encounter for me and someone else, but some people make a target of someone who has a book in front of her face. — Bookworm

Dear Book: I like to read, too, and wonder why strangers feel it's all right to start a conversation with someone who is clearly otherwise engaged. Here's my response when that happens: "I'd really love to chat, but I must finish this because I have to write a book review by (fill in a suitable day, not too far in the future). Should this response prompt the further question, "Are you a writer?" simply say "no" and return to the book. The person will be quite confused at this point, but I predict you will be left in peace. As for a fortunate encounter, you'll have to size up the prospect pretty fast because you can't very well get into a conversation, decide the person is dull, and then announce you must return to your book. — Margo, unavailably

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Dear Margo is written by Margo Howard, Ann Landers' daughter. All letters must be sent via e-mail to dearmargo@creators.com. Due to a high volume of e-mail, not all letters will be answered.

COPYRIGHT 2009 MARGO HOWARD

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