DEAR ABBY: My next-door neighbor keeps asking to use my lawn mower. When he uses it, he runs over stumps and garbage in his yard. I feel he's abusing my generosity. I have hinted that he should pick up things in the yard before he mows, but he never listens. How should I handle this? -- DULL BLADES IN WEST VIRGINIA
DEAR DULL BLADES: Stop beating around the bush instead of being direct. When your neighbor asks to borrow the mower again, tell him that in the past when he has returned it to you, the blades were dull and it created problems for you. Then say no.