ASK AMY

I think my Dad has issues when it comes to hair. Both my parents emigrated from Portugal in the 1960s, and I am the youngest child of five.

Please help me. -- Sad With No Mohawk

DEAR SAD: It's a universal law of fatherhood that at some point a father will clash with his son about hair. I'm not sure why this happens, but I suspect that, as fathers age and start to lose their own hair, they try to maintain control of their sons' hairstyles.

I can identify two advantages you possess: You're the youngest, and if he has other sons, your father has probably fought this battle before. He's going to tire easily. Secondly, you have the advantage of older siblings you can use as sounding boards and styling consultants, so ask for their help and opinions. They might know the best way to approach your dad in a way that won't make him freak out.

Find a photo of the style you like and approach your father in a calm and rational way, looking for a compromise. Perhaps your father will agree to a "modified" Mohawk.

DEAR AMY: Being an overweight wife, I would like to address the husbands who complain about their wife's weight. What, if anything, are they doing to help these women?

My husband and I will be together 10 years, and I am overweight.

My husband and I are working on this together.

Most important, do not tell overweight people that they need to lose weight. They already know that. Instead, be their partner without judgment.

My husband and I started my weight-loss program by shopping, cooking and eating together. After the meal we take a nice walk (not run). We do dishes together, and once a week we dance together.

Everyone jumps on the bandwagon to tell overweight people they are fat or unhealthy! Instead, love your wives and work with them.

The greatest lover is not a man who loves a different woman every night, but one who loves the same woman for the rest of her life.

Another great exercise!

I'm overweight, but with love I won't be for long. -- Another Overweight Wife

DEAR WIFE: Love is the answer, and you know that for sure.

Congratulations to you and to your terrific husband.

(Send questions via e-mail to askamy(at)tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.)

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