DEAR ABBY: Dust and clothing have started to build up in my bedroom. I have told my mom and she doesn't do anything about it, and I'm tired of telling her! The mess makes it hard to live in. I think she does not love me since she will not do anything about the mess. What should I do? -- UNLOVED GIRL IN SPOKANE, WASH.
DEAR UNLOVED GIRL: Your mother does love you. What she's doing is trying to teach you how to be independent. The first thing you should do is pick up the clothes that are lying around in your bedroom. Any items that are soiled should go into the hamper to be washed. The rest should be hung up or folded and put away. Once that's done you will need to clean any surfaces that are dusty, including under the bed. If you don't know how, ask your mother to show you.