DEAR ABBY: More than 40 years ago, as a young wife in a new community where wives and mothers created a monthly coffee group to get acquainted and share ideas, my name was nominated for an office. I will never forget that I lost by one vote. I had not voted for myself out of humility and old-fashioned manners. When I told my husband what I had done, he could not believe I lacked the faith in myself that he believed was indicated by my vote.
I'd rather you did not use my name. Instead, call me ... DEE IN SEAL BEACH, CALIF.