Dear Ann Landers,
What makes an adult incapable of tell-ing anything straight? I hate to call my husband a liar, but I am shocked by the way he deviates from the facts. Ned comes from a large family and they all have this despicable habit. I would never embarrass Ned in the presence of others and say, No, dear, it wasn't like that, but I have pleaded with him in private to please stop exaggerating. It hasn't helped. Why?- Pro-Truth

Dear Pro,
People who embroider the facts beyond recog-nition want to impress and/or amuse, and they don't trust the straight story to do the job. Exaggerators and distorters earn a reputation for irresponsibility or clownishness, and no one takes them seriously. This is a high price to pay for a brief moment in the spotlight.