Dear Ann Landers,
am a sixteen-year-old girl. My best friend is sixteen also. Last night, Wendy was at my house and suddenly she said, "How can I get bronchial pneumonia?" I asked her why in the world she wanted to get bronchial pneumonia. She answered, "Oh, I don't want to die or any-thing. I'd just like to get sick enough to go to the hospital so people will send me cards and flowers and the fellows will visit me and see me in my nightgown with my hair loose." I was shocked at her idea of fun. Have you ever heard of anything so far out? Is Wendy crazy or what? Thanks for your help. -Can't Dig It

Dear Can’t Dig,
Anyone who has had bronchial pneumonia will tell you it's no fun. But, of course, Wendy doesn't really want to be sick, she just wants the fringe benefits. Illness is a surefire attention-getter. Moreover, it provides a respectable excuse for not going to school or to work. You'd be surprised at the number of people who resort to this technique.