DEAR ABBY: In all the years of faithfully reading your column, I have never felt compelled to write to you -- until now.
After reading the poem titled "The Tone of Your Voice," I couldn't stop crying. For years, people have criticized me about my tone of voice. They say it is too sharp and full of hostility.
Abby, I fail to understand how this can be true because I honestly feel no anger or hostility.
My mother, husband and siblings all take offense at my tone of voice, which kills any hope of honest communication. Close friends have also told me that I am often misunderstood because of my tone of voice.
Please, please tell me how I can overcome this handicap. It is no fun being disliked and misunderstood. Thank you. -- A MISUNDERSTOOD WOMAN
DEAR MISUNDERSTOOD: Find a speech therapist or voice teacher. With proper training, the tone of your voice can be changed.