DEAR ABBY: I am a senior citizen and an above-the-knee amputee. I wear a full-leg prosthesis and use crutches. I love being out and about, going to theaters, restaurants, outdoor markets, etc.
How should I respond to the many people who ask me what happened? Did I break my ankle, have knee surgery or what? I know telling them the truth would embarrass them. Abby, please ask your readers to think twice before asking a stranger such a personal question. -- AMPUTEE IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR AMPUTEE: OK, I'll try. Readers, I have advised many times that you not ask strangers personal questions, and this is yet another example.
Now that I have repeated that advice, I'll offer some to you: Please do not worry about embarrassing the questioner. Feel free to tell the truth if you wish. It might teach the person a needed lesson when he or she gets more information than was bargained for. However, if you don't want to divulge, all you have to say is, "That's very personal, and I'd prefer not to discuss it."