DEAR ABBY: I am 45 years old and in great shape. I have always taken care of myself by watching what I eat and exercising on a daily basis. I take pride in my physical and mental health, and take steps every day to achieve my goals.
People often tell me I don't need to worry about my weight, etc. Actually, I look the way I do because I DO worry about my weight!
So why do these comments bother me? And why do people make these comments? -- FULLY ALIVE AT 45
DEAR FULLY ALIVE: The remarks bother you because they negate the fact that you work hard to be the person you are. And people make them because they fail to appreciate that being mentally and physically in tip-top condition takes discipline and is an ongoing process.