Dear Abby: I’m a 15-year-old girl and I have always had a fear of heights. But my mother and sister love thrill rides. As a result, we often go to theme parks. When we do, I’ll usually go on a couple of the “kiddie rides,” which is what Mom calls “mild” rides. Mom and my sister try to drag me on the roller coasters, but I always say no.

After I refuse a few times, Mom will finally snap. The last time it happened she said: “You know what? I’m not paying for your ticket if you’re going to wimp out and not go on any rides.”

I have been driven to tears more than once. She won’t stop even if my friends are with us. I wish I could stay home when they go, but then my mom accuses me of being “antisocial.” Please tell me what I can do or say to her to make her stop doing this.

—Tired Teen in Colton, N. Y.

Dear Tired Teen: Your mother may think that your refusal to go on the roller coaster (etc.) is a bid for attention, but she is wrong. She isn’t taking into consideration how severe a fear of heights can be—some people require professional intervention to overcome it, and it costs a heck of a lot more than a ticket to a theme park. Because you can’t seem to get through to her, appeal to one of her friends or a close relative to help you get the message across. Believe me, you have my sympathy.

Dish debate

Dear Abby: When a person cooks a meal, isn’t it also his or her responsibility to do the dishes when the meal is finished? If not, then who should? I think the cook should be responsible.

—Boiling Over in St. Louis

Dear Boiling Over: And I think the person who EATS the meal should volunteer to clear the table and help with the dishes.