Dear Prudie: I'm an admitted homophobe. Often at my university, issues such as gay rights are brought up in discussion, and, needless to say, my point of view is not shared by many others. I do not volunteer my opinion, but when I am asked, I respectfully give it. I also do not try to "fix" anyone.

However, several people have tried to "fix" me, saying I need to change my views and embrace a broader spectrum of beliefs. Others have simply resorted to ridiculing me for my opinions. As much as I disagree with homosexuality, I do not ridicule anyone who engages in it, and I respect the fact that it is their belief. Is it too much to ask for the same thing in return?

In this day and age, is it wrong to be a homophobe? If I am indeed entitled to my own opinion, how can I avoid being ridiculed for it? — Conservatively Signed

Dear Con: Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but being phobic about any category of people leaves you open to charges of being intolerant. Fair or not, your homophobia will make you unacceptable to quite a few people.

The problem is that these days, your view of homosexuality is considered by many to be unkind, narrow and somewhat backward. Enlightened thinking today is such that you probably can't avoid being ridiculed in certain circles, especially in a college setting. Take comfort, however, that you are not the only one with this attitude, so you will not wind up entirely friendless.

You are wrong about one thing, however. You refer to people's homosexuality as "their belief." It ain't a belief, cupcake, it is who they are. Perhaps with time and maturity your views will change, or at least soften. — Prudie, divergently

Dear Pru: I frequently encounter a situation I'm never quite sure how to handle. I am an avid reader. At any given time, I have a novel in my hand. I always keep a book in my purse to read in long lines, on my lunch break, etc.

My question is this: What do I say when people ask, "What are you reading?" My usual response is, "A book," but that comes off as snotty, and then they always go, "What book?" I like to read unusual books or those by little-known authors, so it's not like I can say, "Catcher in the Rye," and they'll go, "Oh!"

I know they won't know what I'm talking about, and they usually give me a puzzled look when I name the book, so then I feel like I have to give them a rough outline of the book when I know they were just asking to make simple conversation or be polite.

So what is a quick, polite answer to what I'm sure is meant to be a quick, polite question? — Always Reading

Dear Al: Prudie, like you, always carries something to read. The interesting thing is that no one has ever asked for the title; well, hardly ever. You are correct that your usual response, "A book," is more terse than it needs to be. You err, Prudie believes, in feeling you must tender an "outline" of what the book is about. We are talking about strangers, after all.

As for offering a title that should guarantee an end to the conversation, you could go one of two ways. Tell them something arcane, like "Incompleteness: The Proof and Paradox of Kurt Godel," or name a good old, girly chestnut, like "Little Women." Then put your nose back into your book. — Prudie, briefly

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Dear Prudence is written by Margo Howard, Ann Landers' daughter. All letters must be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Due to a high volume of e-mail, not all letters will be answered.