Dear Margo: What do you say to your child when he gets a lot less money from the tooth fairy than other kids? My kid gets books and letters from the tooth fairy and just a small amount of money. (This applies to Santa, too.) Thanks. —Working on an Explanation

Dear Work: I would tell your son that there are quite a few tooth fairies working the beat, and because the tooth fairy responsible for your neighborhood is one of the smarter ones, books and letters are the presents this fairy chooses. You could also mention that apparently the fairy believes your son to be bright, hence the decision to bring books, not money. It seems clear to me that this tooth fairy believes reading has greater value than a few bucks for candy or whatever. (Because we have some time, get back to me on Santa.) I find it admirable, by the way, that your particular tooth fairy favors rewards that encourage learning. — Margo, enticingly

Just Take Time To Read the Tea Leaves

Dear Margo: I am a 27-year-old male and I've lived a fairly reckless life with women. However, a year and a half ago I went through a breakup that caused me to do a lot of soul searching. Then I decided to take a break from being with anyone. During that time, I reflected on a life I felt was hollow and decided I didn't want to use women or play with their emotions. A year went by and I met a young lady at a party who simply took my breath away.

We have slowly gotten to know each other, and I have turned down advances from all other women. The problem, however, is that she still harbors feelings for her ex-boyfriend.

She's in college and went home for winter break and said she would finalize the breakup. I was fine with that and actually told her to see him so she would know how she felt. However, she hasn't returned any of my calls or e-mails since then. The only other time something like this happened was during the first month after we met — she hooked up with some random guy at a club while I was out of town for business. At first she avoided me, but later told me she felt bad about what happened and couldn't face me. I was a little hurt, but we had not yet made any commitment. Not hearing from her now, though, has me worried that she and the ex got back together and she just can't face me. I am wondering if this isn't divine justice and I am being punished for my days as a player. — Karma at Work Here?

Dear Karm: I don't know that I'd go with "divine justice," but it is ironic. The way I suggest you interpret all these happenings is that your ladylove is young and prone to wandering. Even if this young woman patched it up with her old boyfriend, I find something wrong with not being in any kind of touch with you. Were I you, I would not make a move in her direction, and not hearing from her should tell you all you need to know. — Margo, rationally

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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 2008 MARGO HOWARD

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