DEAR ABBY: My husband returned from Iraq a few days ago, and, of course, my parents wanted to talk to him. Well, when they called, Dad and Mom both made off-color comments to me about our sex life. They always want to joke about it, but I never do. It's none of their business.
I don't discuss my sex life even with my closest female friend. I believe sex is something that is private between a husband and wife. My husband is the only man I have ever slept with.
My parents, especially my father, always have some kind of dirty joke or question about our relationship when I go home to visit, and I am tired of it. They are easily insulted and angered, especially my father (who once thought it would be funny to accuse me of hopping into bed with my husband the first chance I got while we were dating), so I can't just say, "I don't like those jokes -- stop it!" What can I do? It always makes for an embarrassing moment. -- EMBARRASSED IN TENNESSEE
DEAR EMBARRASSED: To paraphrase an old saying, "Those who can, do; those who can't, talk about it." Your parents may be trying to show you how "with it" they are by making these comments. Or your father may have always had an unhealthy preoccupation with your sex life.
They have no business asking you personal questions about it. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with telling them it makes you "uncomfortable" and you want it stopped. And if they take offense -- so be it. Let them sulk.