DEAR ABBY: I'm responding to the letter from "Proud Mother in Illinois," who wrote that her daughter asked for, and received, a promise ring. I agree that these rings are a good idea. They promote conversations about serious topics such as sex, drugs and alcohol.
Abby, in my high school, men as well as women wear these rings as a symbol of their morals and beliefs.
What I wish to comment on is your statement that this custom allows parents and daughters to discuss and reinforce their family values. That comment is a stereotypical example of something my age group is trying to overcome and terminate. Girls should not be the only ones expected to abstain from premarital sex; boys should be expected to do the same. It is still commonly felt that girls are regarded as "sluts" if they participate in sexual activities, but men are admired because they are "players" or "studs."
If a family has both a son and a daughter, they should instill the same morals in both of them. If their daughter should save sex for marriage, so should their son.
Abby, your comment took us back to the age of the double standard -- something this generation is desperately trying to do away with. -- ANONYMOUS IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR ANONYMOUS: Guilty as charged. Old habits die hard. Of course I agree there should be no double standard. I apologize for the slip of the pen and will try hard not to repeat it.