DEAR ABBY: I am a professional counselor, and I counsel many teen-aged girls. Often they tell me things like, "I went out with this guy and I got pregnant" -- as if "going out" somehow caused the pregnancy.
I've come to realize over the years that many girls have never been told how to diplomatically say "no" to sex. It appears they frequently say "yes" just so they won't seem rude.
You would be doing your readers a great service if you asked young girls to write and answer the question, "How did you 'just say no'?" -- CONCERNED COUNSELOR, PASADENA, CALIF.
DEAR CONCERNED COUNSELOR: You have made an excellent suggestion. While teen-aged girls may have the most difficulty with this issue, they are not alone. People of all ages (and both sexes) also struggle with it. Readers, what works for you? How do you "just say no" to a sexual encounter you do not wish to have, or do not feel ready for?