Dear Readers: Today is Sept. 11. A day that changed America forever. There were many brave men and women who lost their lives this day. Below are some quotes that help to remind us of the preciousness of life and honoring those with incredible courage.

"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." — Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.

"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children." — George W. Bush

"For me and my family personally, Sept. 11 was a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent, and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity and laughter." — Deepak Chopra

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11." — Barack Obama

"September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage." — Geraldine Brooks

"The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom." — Rudy Giuliani

"America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand." — Harry S. Truman

Dear Annie: You had some great advice for "Ready to Give Up," but I would add that he needs to work on his confidence. He described himself as a "loser" who is "extremely shy" and "socially awkward."

Confidence is sexy, and his lack of confidence might be a big part of his inability to meet women, most of whom I doubt are actually judging his lack of experience.

I would have no problem dating a shy man with no experience, but I quickly find lack of confidence a turnoff for many reasons. Obtaining confidence is no easy task, but even a "fake it till you make it" approach can do wonders for your subconscious and, in turn, for your general outlook and resulting prospects. — Fake It Till You Make It

Dear Fake It: Thank you for your letter. A smile, good posture and looking people in the eyes are all external signs that you can work on to show confidence. But if you want real, lasting confidence, that comes from a sense of accomplishment in what you do and knowing that you are good. Counseling can really help with this, which is why I recommend it so often.

"How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?" is out now! Annie Lane's second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

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