DISCLAIMER:  Kitty Pryde is a trademark of Marvel Comics and Ann Landers
is some lady in a newspaper.  Please don't sue us, we mean you no harm.
Me wrote the letter and you can reach her at monet@uky.campus.mci.net
I wrote the response.  Reach me at hhkyl@uclink2.berkeley.edu

  Dear Ann,

 I know you have a lot of people writing in with their problems, I hope
you can stand one more. So many of my friends have left me and nothing
ever seems to stay the same. I'm just so unsure of who stands where.
Recently a close friend, I consider a mentor, changed completely. He still
is not quite himself he acts like an animal. A teacher of mine who we
recently found out is mentally unstable tried to kill many of his pupils
and half of the world population. I've had friends come and go, by their
choice or not. A while ago the love of my life turned traitor. Ann, all of
these situations seem to just phase me.

 While I was still upset and torn from loosing my love, "Pete", I met
someone else. At first "Rob" seemed like a total jerk: arrogant, loud,
pushy, and bitter. But when I stopped criticizing his every action and took
the time to look at the man, I saw that many of his actions were simply part
of a facade to cover up his true feelings. I have grown to love Rob and my
friends have started to accept him. We've become close friends and lovers.
But Ann, so many of my friends -and boyfriends- have changed into people
that I do not even trust, much less have healthy relationships with. They
have turned on me and the ones they love and I don't want to see this happen
to me and Rob. Tell me what I should do!

 -No name, just Phased in Genosha


Dear Phased in Genosha,

     Life is full of chances and risks we must take.  It's a part of
growing up:  the danger, the jeopardy we encounter in life.  We are all
vulnerable physically and emotionally, that's what makes us human.
     There's nothing I can say or anything that you can do that will
guarantee a happy and healthy relationship between you and Rob.  That kind
of assurance does not exist in this world.  And just like everyone else,
you will have to brave the waters of love and hope for the best.
     You must realize that people will change, like all living things do,
but you must never be afraid of life and its consequences.  To do so would
mean giving up on living.
     You must ask yourself:  "Is it worth pain, the grief, to find love?
Do I want to expose myself again?"  Your answer is yes because you have
already taken the first step, you opened heart to another.  Don't stop
because of your doubts.  Don't let your fears control your decision.  You
may lose someone very special.
     Life will always have its uncertainties but that's what makes it
worth living, not knowing and then finding the courage to take a chance.
Always let your heart be your guide when lost.  It will help you find your
way again.
     And lastly, stand tall, love passionately, and live life to the
fullest.

                                  Ann Landers