Dear Ann Landers, should have written this letter several weeks ago, but like everyone else, I keep putting things off. Thousands of children will be depressed on Valentine's Day. While teachers spend time putting up lovely mailboxes and heart-shaped dec-orations, little emphasis will be placed on love and kindness. There will be so many disappointed children again this year. The same pretty girls and handsome boys (always popular) will receive a load of valentines, while the plain Janes and Johnnies will be left out. I am opposed to free choice when it comes to exchanging valentines in school. It creates too much anxiety and heartache. The teacher ought to match up valentine "couples." They should make valentines for each other during class time. No other valentines should be given at school. This way, no one will be left out. It's the best way to save hurt feelings. My own child is pretty and popular. She told me in January she hates Valentine's Day because "the same kids get dozens while other kids get none." She gave a valentine last year to every kid in the class. I thought it was a kind and generous thing to do. It made me proud of her. If my letter arrives too late for this year, maybe you can print it and plans can be made for next year. Thanks for your time. -Mother in Dothan, Ala.
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Our Reader to Reader Question of the Week:
Dear Readers, , Wis.,' regarding his hearing loss. I have been going through this for many years. The people you think would be the most sympathetic (my family) seem to be the least tolerant. People outside the family tend to be understanding, and oddly enough, my family is very nice to strangers who have this same problem, but not to me. My wife screams that I am driving her crazy, and my oldest daughter just makes fun of me. The other daughter says 'never mind' when I ask her to repeat something. The oldest son gives me a dirty look, goes in his room and shuts the door. The other son is like his mother -- he just yells. When I sit at the dinner table, I might as well be eating next door. They ignore me, so I usually eat with the grandchildren. They don't seem to mind that I can't hear too well. When I ask them to repeat something, they do so graciously, and nobody gives me a dirty look. Please print this letter. It will make me feel better.
