Annie's Mailbox® by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: I had been seeing "Clark" for a year, and he told me everything a woman would want to hear. He made promises he never kept, and I continued to believe his lies. Eventually, he drained my savings.

I finally wised up and told him to start paying me back. He said he would, but it never happened. I canceled his cell phone (which I was paying for) and sent messages to all the phone numbers listed on my bill informing them they could no longer contact Clark on my dime. In return, I got responses from dozens of women he had been flirting with. When one of these women told Clark she had spoken to me, I got an angry call from him saying he would make my life miserable. Frankly, there's not much more he can do to me.

My question is, do I have any legal options? If I take him to court for the money, I know he still won't pay it. Is there any way to get him on criminal charges? I need some kind of closure to move on. — Humiliated and Used

Dear Humiliated: As far as we can tell, you gave Clark this money willingly, which means he didn't defraud or trick you and, therefore, didn't do anything criminal. If you sue him in civil court, you might win since he made a verbal promise to repay you. If he doesn't have the money, it won't help, but if he does, the lawyer will take the necessary actions (garnish his wages, attach his assets) to make him responsible for the debt.

We can't guarantee you will win, however, so you also need to find the internal strength to chalk this up to a learning experience. As the saying goes, living well is the best revenge.

Dear Annie: I am a 27-year-old woman who, until recently, was happy and secure. Out of the blue, my husband of two years decided he did not want to be married and is refusing any counseling or reconciliation efforts. I am overwhelmed with grief and frightened about my future.

My family is helpful, but one family member drives me crazy.

Almost every time we speak, she mentions something to do with my weight, like, "You used to be so pretty," or "You could be such a beautiful girl," etc. I am not terribly overweight and, in fact, have lost a few pounds recently. Now that I'm going to be single, I realize I should focus on looking better, but my self-esteem is low enough right now, and I don't need to be reminded of the incredible rejection I have just been through. What can I say to this relative to make the torment stop? — Not That Fat

Dear Not Fat: This insensitive relative has no idea she is insulting you, so you must enlighten her. Say calmly and forcefully, "Aunt Betsy, I know you don't mean to be rude, but it is very cruel to constantly focus on my weight. I would appreciate it if you would stop making such hurtful comments." She'll sputter and make excuses, but it should do the trick.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from "Worried Dad," whose 15-year-old daughter wants to attend sleepovers at friends' homes where alcohol is served by the parents.

If other parents choose to allow their children to be put at risk like this, so be it. As the parent of a 17-year-old daughter, my answer would be a resounding "No!" My husband and I are no longer astounded at the lack of backbone found in many of today's parents, but we have no intention of caving in to this madness. We are raising our kids with high moral standards and teaching them to value themselves. — Vermont Mom

Dear Vermont: Many readers suggested that "Worried Dad" inform the host parents that if alcohol is served, he will call the police. It won't help his popularity, but it could put an end to that particular problem.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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