DEAR ABBY: I am a fifth-grader. I never thought I'd be writing to you but I am, so let me get right to the point:
I am really short. Kids at school make fun of me because I'm the shortest student in my grade. I was hoping you could give me some advice about what to say when I'm called "Shorty." -- ANONYMOUS GIRL IN NORTH DAKOTA
DEAR ANONYMOUS: People should be measured from their eyebrows up -- not from top to bottom. There are many successful people who are not tall in stature. I am one of them. Tell your classmates that good things -- like diamonds -- come in small packages. Then change the subject.