I date outside of my marriage, but I don’t think I’m being “unfaithful”.

DEAR ABBY! I dated outside of my marriage. My husband doesn’t know. Nothing serious – just dinner, drinks and dancing. All the men were single. I would never go out with a married man. They all respected my boundaries. I don’t want to be unfaithful to my husband; I’m just having a little fun. Do you think a little kiss goodnight would be nice to show my appreciation? — A LITTLE RUDE IN NEW MEXICO

DEAR ABBY! While shopping at the mall, I have seen too many stressed out parents who ignore their kids or yell at them. It sure doesn’t help. Not the way I was raised, or the way I raised mine. Years ago I saw a poem in your column that dealt with the consequences of bad parenting and good parenting. Based on what you see, you should print again. Many parents who should read it don’t see themselves in it, but it can help those who do. Your message is very important. Thanks. — JANET F. IN MINNESOTA

NICE A LITTLE SMILE: No, I don’t. A goodnight kiss would be no more appropriate than a sly date. A better solution would be to teach your husband to dance.

DEAR JANET! I know the verse you refer to and agree that it sends an important message to parents. It is one of many profound poems and essays that appear in my “Guardians” booklet, which I compiled because so many readers requested reprints of their favorites. Read more:

CHILDREN LEARN HOW TO LIVE – Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to judge

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight

When a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy

When a child is ashamed, he learns to feel guilty

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient

When a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate it

When a child lives with integrity, he learns justice

When a child lives in safety, he learns to believe

When a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself

When a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

This is just one of the poems, essays, and letters that appear in the Guardians booklet. Some are witty, some are philosophical.

Topics include children, animals, aging, parenting, death, and forgiveness. It can be ordered by sending your name and address and a $8 check or money order (US funds) to Dear Abby Keepers Booklet, PO Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

Packed with nuggets of down-to-earth wisdom, it’s quick, easy to read, and an inexpensive gift for newlyweds, pet lovers, new parents, or anyone recovering from illness because it covers a wide range of topics.

Dear Abby was founded by Abigail Van Buren, aka Jeanne Phillips, and her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.