Dear Queenie,

I had a baby while I was in high school. After that I finished school, went to university and got my degree, and got a good job. Now I own my own home and have no debt except the mortgage on it.

My problem is people who comment on my age when they see me with my son. They'll say something like, "Oh, you're too young to have a child that age." They may be right, but I don't think I should have to explain myself to them.

Queenie, what's a good answer for people like that?—Young mother

Dear Young mother,

You don't owe such people any explanation. Just say, "What a nice compliment! Thank you," and change the subject. It's a pleasant response to those who mean well, and those who don't will be taken aback by being "misunderstood."