LW1: There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. Don't feel like you have to change who you are. If you want to join a school club, fine. If not, that's fine, too. I'm 32, and I didn't realize until I was 19 that it is okay to be an introvert! Be proud of who you are, and work hard in school! The social life will come later and will be more rewarding!

I'm in agreement with you, Paul. When I was growing up, I felt there was something wrong with me because I couldn't make a lot of friends - which is what my parents wanted for me. As an adult, I've always felt relieved that there is no longer that drive to be outgoing. While I have friends, they are the kind of understand if I'd rather just stay in. -- The last letter made me a bit sad. How could any mother call her daughter 'dirty'.

Re; Letter 2 - While I do agree that this issue is about the girlfriend and she needs to deal with it I'm taken aback that there was no mention that the still present step-father should never be left alone with the child they have. Keep the youngster away from this guy. I couldn't even be in the same room with a man who I knew sexually abused a child and same for the mom who let it happen. Ick!!

LW1: Thank you all for saying such kind things about introverts. I am one and for all of my life I have been told that to be introverted was Bad. I am a homebody, I love to read, bake bread, make soup, sew, garden etc. From teachers to the general public I was told I was bad for being an introvert. I do some things social, like the Audubon club, rockhounding etc. If people are loud and overbearing then to society that is good. Finally I have accepted myself as I am. I am quiet and nice, kind. And that's ok and that's ok for the letter writer as well.

Why on earth are these adult women telling their parents, who likely have no idea about these STIs from a medical perspective, about their STI status? People there is no reason to tell anyone you're not having sex with about your HPV, herpes, or even HIV. Keep it to yourself. There is something called unnecessary information. Why risk hurting yourself by telling uninformed and insensitive jerks?