DEAR ABBY: For most of my life, I have parted my hair on the right. I am now being told that men should part their hair on the left. Is there a correct side for men? — HARRY W., MORRO BAY, CALIF.
Dear Harry:
No, there is no correct side, as long as it doesnt make your hair stick up. But, for what it’s worth, Hitler parted his on the right. So, you know, keep that in mind. — Dear Abby Hijacked
DEAR ABBY: I recently presented a research proposal. I did the best I could and was verbally attacked by my boss. She is often tactless and can at times be cruel.
I tried to defend my research, but perhaps I did it too emphatically and went overboard, because my team member turned off my microphone and apologized to the boss.
I understand some of the criticisms, but what bothered me was that other proposals were more flawed than ours, but were not attacked in a similar fashion. One thing led to another, and I broke down in tears at the table. Luckily, the boss did not see it, but other team members did.
Is showing emotion in public wrong? I tried to hold it in but couldn’t. I was insulted and felt terrible for my team. Was crying unprofessional? Should I have run to the powder room to sob — or would that have made it worse? — TEARY-EYED IN MALAYSIA
Dear Teary-eyed:
Showing emotion in public is not wrong. You can go too far with it, of course, and it is wise to keep things in check. If you find yourself frequently crying or going over overboard with anger, then you may have some issues going on entirely unrelated to work. I think running to the powder room would have drawn more attention to yourself. But as for that meeting — unless you think this is a chronic problem — chalk it up to a bad day. — Dear Abby Hijacked
DEAR ABBY: I am deeply patriotic and support our troops wholeheartedly. Because I am people-oriented, I try to go out of my way at my job (I am a hotel front desk clerk) to say nice things to people or do something for them. I often see government IDs on individuals (usually military) and I would like to say thanks — but I don’t know how. I don’t know who’s been overseas or not, and was wondering if you had any suggestions. I would just like to be able to say thanks without being intrusive and remain professional about it. — ELIZABETH IN ORLANDO
Dear Elizabeth:
Just say "Thank you for your service" when you see their ID. Even people who do not serve overseas do a service to their country. — Dear Abby Hijacked