DEAR ABBY: I am 11. My parents are divorced. When I visit my dad's house, he always takes his telephone calls outside. I'm not allowed to answer the phone or be in the same room when he checks his e-mail. I love my father, but I'm scared to talk to him about this because he has a temper.
What do you think is going on? -- CONFUSED IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR CONFUSED: It's sad that you are so intimidated by your father that you are afraid to talk to him. Since I don't know him, I cannot say for sure what's going on. However, let me say this: Sometimes when a person keeps something a "secret," it can make it appear more mysterious than it actually is. The subject applies to a lot of parents, so clip this column and hand it to your father. He needs to see it. Perhaps it will help to bridge the communication gap.