DEAR ABBY: I see so many young girls wear "spike" heels. I know they think they look glamorous, but a word of advice: Learn to walk in them at home. Girls, you look like ducks, walking with your knees bent because the heels are so high and you haven't practiced. I know what I'm talking about because those heels were in style when I was young. -- SMART LADY IN TENNESSEE
DEAR SMART LADY: There is nothing wrong with that advice. Practice makes perfect. However, allow me to add another suggestion. When I buy a pair of spike heels (and I do own a few), the first thing I do is take them to my shoemaker and have the heels cut down a quarter of an inch, which makes them more comfortable -- and safer -- to walk in. (If I broke an ankle they'd have to shoot me, because I'd never race again.)