This Should Be Of Help To Many

Dear Ann Landers: I’m responding to the woman who said she was raped and nearly strangled by a man she met on the Internet. I’m a 39-year-old single woman who has made many friends through the Internet and personal ads, and I feel qualified to address the question of safety. I’d like to share my rules:

1. Always get both the work and home phone numbers of any man you are going to meet. Do not agree to see any man who will not give you both. If you feel uneasy, call his place of employment and verify that he works there. Use extreme caution meeting any man who says he works for himself out of his home. It’s impossible to verify that what he is telling you is true. Better safe than sorry.

2. Meet in a busy public place, and take your own car. Do not go to his home or invite him to yours until you’ve had at least three dates and you feel comfortable.

3. Don’t meet any man who uses even subtle sexual language over the Internet or in a personal ad. (For example, he might say he is “looking for a sensual woman who is comfortable with her body.”) Although he may not be dangerous, he almost certainly is a jerk looking for something more than a caring, respectable relationship. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. - Boston

Dear Boston: You have written a letter that could be valuable to women who are desperate for male company. Thank you on behalf of all of them.

Dear Ann Landers: I’m not a doctor trying to drum up business. I have nothing to gain from writing this letter except to share my very positive experience and encourage other men to get with the program.

I used to have an impotency problem and finally decided to see a urologist. It took me a long time before I was willing to try injections, but thank the good Lord, I did. The thought of plunging a needle into myself was scary, but the results are so satisfying, I now look forward to it with no fear or apprehension. That one jab guarantees that I will perform well sexually and there is no awkwardness whatsoever because my wife is understanding and patient.

The doctor informed me of all the potential dangers of injecting myself in such a sensitive area, so there were no surprises. The occasional bruising does not bother me at all. I realize that not all men would want to use this method and, of course, there are other alternatives that would be worth exploring.

For most men, admitting they have a problem is the first step. Being willing to talk with someone knowledgeable can set us on a new and wonderful path. I am 60 years old and feel like 40. I am delighted that I can be a satisfying lover and grateful for all the help I’ve had in keeping romance alive. - Firmly Convinced in Denver

Dear Denver: Your upbeat letter is sure to encourage other males who have impotency problems to get professional help. Thanks on behalf of all the men you’ve made happier - and women, too.

Dear Ann Landers: Will you please determine for your readers the general policy used by morticians regarding the disposition of dental gold in the deceased? It seems to me that gold is worth some money. I have often wondered about this and didn’t have the nerve to ask anybody. Please clear this up for me. - Curious in Mississippi

Dear Mississippi: According to the Funeral and Memorial Societies of America, dental gold has very little commercial value. It would be most unusual for a mortician to remove the gold from the mouth of the deceased.