DEAR ABBY: I am a very conservative parent when it comes to men. I never dated any young man except the one who became my husband.
I have a 19-year-old daughter who lives on campus at her college. I always encouraged her to be a good girl like me.
She recently came home for a college break, and in her room, I found a year-old receipt from a motel. On it was her name and that of a boy she was dating at the time. She now has another boyfriend.
Abby, should I confront her with the receipt or pretend I don't know anything? -- CONSERVATIVE MOM
DEAR CONSERVATIVE MOM: I would advise against confronting your daughter with the motel receipt. She's an adult and has the right to make her own decisions. I hope that in addition to telling your daughter that she should be a "good girl" like you, while she was still a minor and living with you, you discussed sex with its implications and dangers. Teens often fail to accept a parent's admonition unless it is backed up with good reasons. The lessons you taught her while she was growing up will help her to make wise choices now that she is an adult.