DEAR ABBY: Since when has it been considered OK for women to be in men's dressing rooms in department stores? I have seen a lot of this during the last year.
I'm not a prude, and I understand that most men change in private booths, shielded from view of strangers. Still, I am disturbed when I come out of the smaller booth and find women hanging around in the dressing room.
In many cases, I have heard women actually IN the booths with men who are getting dressed, giggling -- or, even more annoying, shouting out orders about sizes, styles, etc. Men are not allowed in women's dressing rooms.
When I have expressed my concern to salesclerks, they look at me like I'm crazy. Am I the only one who thinks women do not belong in men's dressing rooms? -- CIVILIZED SHOPPER
DEAR SHOPPER: I don't know how long it has been between shopping trips for you, but your thinking is outdated. Today some stores have unisex dressing rooms, and men's and women's departments employ both male and female sales associates. It is not unusual for couples to shop together -- and if something doesn't fit, for the spouse to go and find something in the correct size.
While you may not be the only one who thinks women don't belong in men's dressing rooms, I believe you are in the minority.