Dear Abby:

I’m 17 and go to a high school with drug addicts and girls who are lucky they aren’t pregnant. (Some are.) My father thinks I’m like them even though I have a 4.0 GPA and have never done drugs or had sex.

I’m not allowed to drive anywhere without my mother accompanying me. If I want to go on a date with my boyfriend, my parents must be present. I have lost friends who are tired of having to hang with my parents and me. I suggested family counseling, but Dad refused. He says we don’t have the money.

What do I do?

Tired Teen

You have my sympathy. You have caring and conscientious parents, who appear to have gone overboard in trying to shelter you. By age 17 — and with a 4.0 GPA — you should have been allowed to socialize without a constant chaperone. That’s how teens learn to develop relationships and make mature decisions.

In another year you will be an adult. If there is an adult relative in whom you can confide, ask that person to please speak to your parents on your behalf.

Dear Abby:

I’m in my early 60s and have no plans to retire. I raised a child on my own and wasn’t able to save much for retirement, and my office retirement plan disappeared during the recession in 2008.

Because of my age, people young and old often ask when I plan to retire. I don’t feel I owe anyone an explanation as to why I continue to work, and I plan on working as long as I can. Any idea how I should respond to let these people know it’s none of their business?

Miffed

All you have to do is smile and say, “Retire? I’m just getting started!”