Dear Abby:
An outside vendor came to the place where I worked and made lewd comments to me.
When I learned that he would be the person training me on the new software I'd be using for the promotion I had just received -- my second promotion in two years -- I reported the incident to my immediate supervisor. Within four working days, I was demoted, publicly humiliated, and felt forced to turn in my resignation.
I had signed a sexual harassment agreement with my bosses that I would report any incident to them. Should I have kept my mouth shut? Do I have any recourse?
Humiliated in Birmingham, Ala.
The vendor's actions were out of line, and you were right to report him. If I were you, I'd discuss what happened with an attorney who specializes in labor law -- preferably a female.
Dear Abby:
I am 13 and live in a small town. I need to know something: Is boredom normal? I got up one morning and realized how bored I am. I don't mean bored with nothing to do. I am bored with myself and my daily routine.
I'm not especially sad, just bored with life itself -- the people I see every day, the town I live in, the way I look, my boyfriend, my room, going to school -- "same old, same old."
I want this feeling to go away. What can I do?
Restless Teen in Maryland
Talk to your parents about involving yourself in a new activity, preferably one where you will meet new people. Visit the library and ask the librarian to suggest some books to expand your range of interests.
Everyone feels the way you do at one time or another. The solution is to dwell less on yourself and more on the needs of other people.
Dear Abby:
I am in love with a wonderful man. He's everything I have been looking for, but he's married and waiting for his divorce to be final.
It has been nearly six months, and he says his wife is prolonging things. I love him and don't want to be without him. I don't understand what's taking so long. Should I trust that what he says is true?
Desperate and In Love
If you have to ask me that question, the answer is no.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.comor P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, Calif. 90069.
©2004, Universal Press Syndicate
