DEAR ABBY: I am 12 and my mom is part of a church group (Unitarian). She recently told me she is taking me to her church where they are making pies for the homeless. Even though this is a nice act, I don't want to be a part of it (mainly because I am very shy around new people).
When I told my mom, she said she thought I was being rude and inconsiderate, and that she would make me come and ground me if I didn't go. Is there any way I can explain it to her better? -- SHY KID
DEAR SHY KID: If you have already told your mother the reason is your shyness, then I can't think of a way to state it more clearly. She may feel that your help in the project is urgently needed, which is why she's insisting. Or, she may feel that it might help you to overcome your shyness. Sometimes when people work together for a worthy cause they forget about themselves and their insecurities. I hope you will give it a try -- if only so you won't be grounded.