DEAR ABBY: I am a 19-year-old woman who recently got over a bout of compulsive hair-pulling that left the top of my head bald. The hair hasn't completely grown back yet, so I refuse to go anywhere without a hat.
When I'm out in public, people often tell me it's rude to wear a hat indoors. While I understand this, my hair is a sensitive subject that reduces me to tears. What can I say to people when they continue to badger me? -- COVERED UP IN GEORGIA
DEAR COVERED UP: Point out that it is even more rude to criticize someone's attire when the person may have a legitimate reason for dressing that way. You should also talk with a hairstylist about buying an inexpensive hairpiece to wear until your hair grows back. That may curtail some of the unsolicited comments you're receiving.