Dear Ann Landers;

        Like everyone else, I am flat broke from overspending at Christmas time.  But I need to go shopping again soon because I am completely out of self-respect.  I've said something I wish I could take back, and I am not feeling too good about myself.

         I also want to exchange a load of self-rightousness I picked up during the year for an equal amount of humility.  I hear it is less expensive and wears well.  And while I am at it, I am going to check on tolerance and see if there is any available in my size.

          I must remember to try to match some patience with the little I have left.  My neighbor is loaded with it and it looks awfully good on her.  I was told the same department had a repair shop for mending integrity.  Mine had become frayed around the edges from too much compromising
and not enough self-discipline.  If I don't get refurbished soon, there won't be any left.

         I almost forgot the most important thing of all--Compassion.  If I see some, no matter what the color, size or shape, I'm going to stock up heavily, regardless of the price.  I have run out of it so many times and always feel ashamed of myself when it happens.

          I don't know why it's taken me so long to get around to shopping for these items.  They don't cost nearly as much as some of the frivolous things I bought at Christmastime, and I'll get a lot more satisfaction from them.  I'm going shopping today, and I can leave my checkbook and credit cards at home.

                                ---Pueblo, Colo.
 

Dear Pueblo:

        Thanks for the wonderful idea.  I hope you find the store crowded.

   ---Ann Landers