DEAR ABBY: Please tell your readers that even though gay people are more integrated into our lives, it does not provide an open invitation to pry into anyone's sexual practices. I have been asked many times about the physical mechanics of my relationship, although I would never consider requesting such information from my heterosexual friends, neighbors or co-workers.
I think the bottom line should be: Keep your noses out of your friends' bedrooms and everything will be just fine. I am a gay 49-year-old man in Texas and honestly would never dream of asking any couple -- straight or gay -- what they do when they are alone. It bothers me that some people think being accepted means I welcome these kinds of questions. -- MYOB IN AUSTIN
DEAR MYOB: There is no end to the nosy and intrusive questions people with poor judgment will ask. However, there is a standard response that may resolve your problem if you say it with a smile. It's, "If you'll forgive me for not answering that question, I'll forgive you for asking!"