DEAR ABBY: I have a 1-year-old daughter. On numerous occasions, strangers have approached me and asked if they could hold her. It is uncomfortable and awkward for me, and being at a loss for words, I usually allow their request.
I have talked to other parents about this, and they share the same uneasiness with these forward strangers.
Please tell me how to handle this. -- NEW MOTHER IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR NEW MOTHER: When a stranger asks to hold your daughter, simply tell the person no, you would prefer he or she didn't.