Dear Abby: I dread getting my hair cut and colored at salons because I detest small talk. I can't get to the salon until after work, and by then I'm all small-talked- out. Is it rude to bring a book and read while someone is doing your hair? — Not a Chatty Cathy, Irvine, Calif.

Dear Not Chatty: It is not rude to bring along something to read while your hair is being colored. However, reading while you are getting your hair cut might be counterproductive.

In order to get the "line" right, your hairdresser would probably prefer that you sit with your head up, looking straight into the mirror rather than down. My hairdresser, Asya, is a perfectionist who insists upon it.

Dear Abby: I am 12 and have bad problems at school. Whenever I'm behind, can't figure out a problem or just want to get it done, I cheat.

I'm home-schooled, and my mom is my teacher, which means the answer books are in my "classroom." I have tried to stop, but some-times I can't resist the temptation.

I have asked Mom to lock away the answer books, but she won't. There-for I continue to cheat. What should I do? — Cheater in California

Dear Cheater: Quit cheating, reorganize your time, and get extra help with your subjects if you need it. It is vital that you understand that when you cheat, the only person who gets cheated is yourself. Yes, you can "ace" a test — but if you haven't learned the material, you will eventually pay a penalty.

Take another look at your letter. It contains two errors. At some point you will have to take responsibility for your actions — and from my perspective, the sooner you do it, the better off you'll be.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. © Universal Press Syndicate