Dear Abby has gone soft

The "real" Abby would never have said, "Do not try to tell her how to live her life." She would have said, "Kick that roomie out immediately, and tell her to wise up."

Not that kind of girl writes Dear Abby to complain that

"About a year ago, a childhood friend, "Lindsay," came to visit. She loved the town so much she decided to move here and be my roommate.

At first I was excited at the prospect, but my enthusiasm has waned since finding out that Lindsay is very promiscuous. Since January she has had sex with seven men, sometimes dating more than one at a time."

She feared for her reputation, safety and privacy.

So what does Abby suggest? A huge wimp-out. Are women supposed to be assertive and strong in the workplace but not in their own apartments?

"Your letter brings to mind several old sayings. One: People are known by the company they keep. Two: Birds of a feather flock together. Three: People who lie down with dogs usually get up with fleas.

Do not try to tell Lindsay how to live her life. DO remind her that she is now living in a small town where tongues wag. Then explain that although you like her very much, your lifestyles are not compatible and you would like her to move. Your concerns about waking up to find strangers are valid."

Now, that's sure going to get the roommate to wake-up and change her ways. Explaining the obvious is sure to change her sleeping around behavior. And since when does Abby not know that reminding people with little proverbs and cutsy sayings comes across as "telling them how to live."