DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are the proud parents of five children, ages 8, 5, 3, and twins who are nearly a year old. My dilemma begins when I take my children shopping. Abby, you wouldn't believe some of the comments I get: "You sure have your hands full!" "I wouldn't want to pay your grocery bills." "Better you than me." "Lady, you have too many kids!"
I'm beginning to dislike going shopping, and now become automatically defensive if someone approaches me.
My question is, should I respond to these insensitive people? If so, what do I say? I don't want to be rude, but I can't tell you how fed up I am with strangers minding my business. Yes, occasionally there is a good comment, but the negative greatly outweigh the positive. -- SEETHING IN OAKDALE, CONN.
DEAR SEETHING: It would be the better part of wisdom to just smile and keep walking.