Dear Abby : Back in 1993, I was in ninth grade. I was a shy kid and somewhat depressed. I never had much to say, nor felt my opinions mattered. One day, the teacher called on me to answer a maths problem. Out of the blue, a boy who sat several rows away said out loud, "You should talk more. You have a nice voice." I was in shock in a good way! It made me feel valued. I stil smile whenever I think of it. if that youngman happens to read this, I thank him from the bottom of my heart. Stephanie in Delaware
Dear Stephanie: I'm pleased to pess along your message. A simple compliment can change a life.