DEAR ABBY: I am a 16-year-old male, and I have this problem telling the truth. I lie mainly about my grades. I am a good student, but I just don't put forth a lot of effort.
I got a progress report the other day and was failing Spanish with a 67. When my dad asked about my grades, I told him I had gotten a 70 in Spanish because that is a passing grade. When he saw the report, he yelled at me. He was disappointed about the grade but even more so about the lie.
I feel comfortable telling my mom the truth because she and I are really close. But I can't seem to tell my dad the truth, ever. I don't know why. I don't know how to stop lying. Please help me, I'm begging you. -- PINOCCHIO
DEAR PINOCCHIO: You and your father need to work on your relationship. He doesn't trust you because you lie. You lie because you don't trust him enough to honestly discuss your difficulties. Clip this letter, show it to him and tell him you wrote it. You and your father could both benefit from professional counseling to improve your level of communication and resolve your trust issues.