DEAR ABBY: When I'm out in public, there's always someone saying, "Oh, you're so tiny!" or, "I didn't see you down there," or, "You're so cute!" Abby, I am 83 years old with white hair. I was never tall to begin with, and I have lost close to 4 inches due to a bad back (with constant pain), spine surgery and osteoporosis.
Please remind your readers to abstain from making remarks about a person's size. I don't feel "cute," and I don't appreciate the constant reminders about my disability. Am I too sensitive? -- VERTICALLY CHALLENGED IN ANN ARBOR, MICH.
DEAR VERTICALLY CHALLENGED: I don't think so. You have stated your feelings very well, but I'm pleased to remind readers that comments about someone's personal appearance ("You're so tall," "You're so small, "You're so thin") can hit a sore spot, and to refrain from saying the first thing that comes to mind because it may be rude or hurtful.