Dear Ann Landers: I was recently a victim of date rape. I attended a campus party, and a “friend” offered me a drink. I accepted without a second thought. A few minutes later, I began to feel odd. I don’t remember anything else. I woke up the next morning in my dorm room, undressed, and there was evidence that I had been intimate with someone. What is even more scary is that I may have contracted a venereal disease or gotten pregnant by some jerk who took advantage of me.
Please warn your readers, Ann, never to accept a drink from anyone at a party. Women should drink only from cans or bottles they opened themselves and should keep an eye on their drinks at all times. If this letter can help just one woman avoid my nightmarish experience, it will be worth the time it took to write. — Coed in Virginia
Dear Coed: I have mentioned the perils of being drugged at parties, but your letter provides a good opportunity to remind my readers once again. There are some unscrupulous predators out there, and it pays to be vigilant.
The ground rules are as follows: Do not accept any drink that is already poured, or comes from a can or bottle that has already been opened. Do not take a drink from a common punch bowl. Do not let go of your drink until you are done with it. If you notice one of your friends acting strangely, keep an eye on the situation, and, if necessary, offer to escort her home. (And please remember that too much alcohol, even without added drugs, can lead to plenty of problems.)
Dear Ann Landers: I am a 15-year-old girl, and I am writing about my dad. He has raised me, my brother and two younger sisters since Mom died.
Dad needs a lady in his life, but doesn’t have much time to meet anyone. He is tall and good-looking. He has a college degree, is athletic, likes to travel and has a great sense of humor. He cooks, washes our clothes, vacuums, mops, bakes and washes windows.
Dad is 50 years old but looks younger. He needs somebody energetic and interesting who can love him and help him take care of us. I know he is lonely. Can you help us find someone for him? — Looking for Love in Michigan
Dear Michigan: Your dad sounds like a sweet guy, but I cannot allow my column to be used as a personal ad. You would be swamped with letters from women all over the country.
Introduce your dad to the single mothers of your friends. Suggest that he join Parents Without Partners, a wonderful organization. You sound like a caring and loving daughter, and your dad is lucky to have you. Tell him I said so.
Dear Ann Landers: I read with interest the letters about husbands who refuse to wear their wedding rings. I was married for 16 years to a man who would not wear his ring. He said he “didn’t want to feel married.” I decided to overlook this because he worked hard to support his family, was home for supper every night, participated in family gatherings and was a good father.
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When he turned 40, he left us for a younger woman. He now wears his wedding band every day. However, he refuses to put his new wife on his health insurance, disappears for days at a time and won’t attend her family functions.
Several months after he left me, I pawned his ring. The children and I had a lovely dinner and went to the movies. I decided I got the better deal. — First Wife
Dear First Wife: I agree. The guy was no bargain, and you are better off without him. Congratulate yourself.
Gem of the Day for Income Tax Day: It is getting harder and harder to support the government in the style to which it has become accustomed.