DEAR ABBY: Now that it's summer I need your help with one of your to-the-point witty comebacks. My husband and I are both fair-skinned. Skin cancer runs in both sides of our families. We always wear sunscreen and lather up our 8-month-old child as well.
Yesterday, a few friends at the pool made jokes about needing sunglasses in our presence because of the sun reflecting off our pale bodies. I became upset and left the pool. Is there something I can say to make a point and let these people know how rude they are when commenting on our lack of a suntan? -- TANLESS IN SUGAR HILL, GA.
DEAR TANLESS: For many years the American Academy of Dermatology has urged everyone -- regardless of skin tone -- to avoid long-term exposure to the sun, and to always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. I see no reason to try and be witty. "Skin cancer runs in both sides of our family, and frankly, you should be careful, too," is a simple way to convey your message. (Let a smile be your umbrella if they give you any flak.)