DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm worried that my son is going to turn out to be a player. He's only 18, but already he has had multiple girlfriends at the same time, broken several hearts and smiled about it. I really don't like this behavior. He is charming, much like his dad used to be, and is turning out to be bad news for girls. As his mother, I don't want to sit around and watch him turn into a regular old lothario. How can I get him to curb his behavior? His dad does nothing but egg him on when he hears about his antics. That's part of the reason why I divorced him. He didn't see the value in a monogamous marriage. I want my son to share my values. Help! -- Playboy's Mom, Los Angeles
DEAR PLAYBOY'S MOM: You can continue to reinforce your values to your son. Talk to him about his behavior and how it affects those around him. Ask him if he really thinks it is OK to hurt women's feelings, to lead them on and to date more than one person at a time. As he answers, talk openly with him about his beliefs and counter with yours. Describe to him how women feel when they believe a boyfriend duped them.
If you are clear that he is going to be a so-called "lothario," suggest that he be honest with his dates and let them know up front that he is not the monogamous type. At least then they will know what they are getting into.
If at all possible, talk to his father about resisting the temptation to encourage his disrespectful behavior.