DEAR ABBY: When it comes to hair, as with most things, there's a distinct double standard between men and women. Women feel it's their place to be critical of men who try to make the most of what hair they have by combing it over their bald or thinning pates. This despite the fact that women spend millions annually on wigs, falls, rats, wiglets and various sorts of hair extenders. Shame on them.
What if a man were to tell his wife, "Dear, why don't you throw away all those bleaches, dyes, lotions and curlers? I'd still love you if you let your hair go thin and stringy and gray." Why should women persist in living in a state of denial? As you say, facing the problem head on and dealing with it is a better solution.
Yeah. RIGHT! -- COMBS OVER IN EVERETT, WASH.
DEAR COMBS OVER: At the risk of appearing contentious, I'm for anything that WORKS. The problem with most comb-overs is they are obvious. A male reader put it very well: "It took me a long time to realize that what women find attractive are men who are relaxed and comfortable about who they are. Once I realized that, I cut my hair short and my wife thinks it's wonderful."