DEAR ABBY: One night I woke up to my cat scratching at my bedroom door. When I opened the door, I heard my parents making love. They were so loud it grossed me out. My sister is 10, and we share a room. She doesn't know about this stuff. I want to tell them they shouldn't do that, because she may get scared and try to go in there. What do I do - tell them to go to a motel?
- Grossed Out in Madison, Miss.
DEAR GROSSED OUT: Do NOT tell your parents to go to a motel. If the cat hadn't woken you up, you wouldn't have heard them. Be glad you have parents who love each other and you didn't overhear a fight. If your sister ever hears it, she should know she can wake you up. At age 10, she shouldn't be completely in the dark about life. And the person who should be talking to her is her mom.
DEAR ABBY: Many mental-health professionals do not take workaholism seriously - probably because many of them suffer from it. I researched the topic because my friend's work was hurting our relationship. Workaholics Anonymous exists. Spread the word.
- Caring Friend in San Francisco
DEAR CARING FRIEND: I'm pleased to do that. Workaholics Anonymous is a 12-step program, like Alcoholics Anonymous, for individuals whose work lives have gotten out of control. It offers support in solving problems related to compulsive overworking, and it also helps families and friends who are affected.
