DEAR ABBY: I am 29, independent, single and have a steady job. I'm planning on going back to school to become a certified plumbing technician.
Here's the catch: I'm a woman, and because I'm female, some people make comments like, "You don't want to do that. It's working with other people's ----!" Yes, this is really because I'm female.
I have tried explaining that plumbing doesn't just involve unclogging toilets and that I feel it's a good choice for me, but I still get these stupid comments. One woman in particular I work with won't stop trying to talk me out of it. I think it's my choice and she's being rude. Is there a polite way to convince her without being rude? -- MS. PLUMBER IN LANCASTER, PENN.
DEAR MS. PLUMBER: Try this: "Plumbers make good money. Right now, I'm making 'this' much, but once I complete the course I'll be earning ( )" If that doesn't convince her, nothing will.