DEAR ABBY: This is in response to Mary Lou Childs of Eugene, Ore. In her letter she complained about how parents today, after telling their children to do something, will follow with, "OK?"
I don't know how everyone in the world does this, but when my parents say, "OK?" they are not asking if that's all right with me or opening it up for discussion. They are making sure I have heard them. (They say I have a case of "selective hearing," as all teens my age do.)
An example that I hear regularly is, "Go to bed at 10:00, OK?" And then I reply with a simple, "Yes," or else I'll go to bed right then no matter what time it is.
Abby, I am just writing to defend my parents and others like them who do not deserve to be insulted by her harsh comment. Please do not print my name. Sign me ... OFFENDED IN ARIZONA
DEAR OFFENDED: Ms. Childs' complaint was less about language and more about the issue of enforcing parental authority. You do not need to defend your parents. They appear to be doing a fine job.