DEAR ABBY: The subject is email, which is how so many of us communicate nowadays. When one gets an email from a friend or relative, it seems to me only common courtesy in most cases to acknowledge it with a response, if only to say thanks. The reply need not be immediate, but there should be one, I think. Many people just don't reply. What do you think? -- TOM IN PALO ALTO
DEAR TOM: I think some people may be too busy to respond, particularly if the communication doesn't seem important or contain a question.