Worried about husband’s satisfaction

and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: Due to health reasons, I have been unable to provide my husband with satisfying sex for the last 15 years. He has been patient and understanding, but now, I think he's starting to look elsewhere.

I have spoken with several friends, and one of them suggested I hire a prostitute for my husband, so I don't have to worry about an emotional involvement. I have come to the conclusion that, if handled in a discreet way, this may be an answer I can live with. However, I worry about him getting a sexually transmitted disease. Is using a condom enough?

—- Married 25 Years

Dear Married: Most latex condoms will protect against STDs, but they are not infallible. More importantly, please don't make assumptions about what your husband wants or needs.

We assume you are considering this course of action out of love, but there are many ways to sexually satisfy your partner, and we want to be sure you have explored all the options. Ask your husband to come with you for counseling so the two of you can understand each other's needs more completely and then decide how best to handle the situation.

Dear Annie: I am 18 years old and an A student in high school. My prom is coming up, and part of the tradition of senior prom is renting a hotel room for the night. I plan to rent a room with my boyfriend of almost a year, and his best friend and girlfriend. However, my parents won't let me do this. Money is not the problem. Normally, we agree on a lot of things, but this time, we can't see eye to eye.

My mom trusts my boyfriend and me, but she was brought up the "old-fashioned way" and believes this is unacceptable. I think I am responsible and old enough to spend the night away. However, we both agreed to abide by whatever you say on this subject.

— Responsible Enough

Dear Responsible: Are you and the boyfriend already having sex? If so, it seems pointless for Mom to worry about your virtue at this late date. However, we're still going to vote with Mom on this. It's not that you aren't responsible and trustworthy. It's that circumstances can make it

difficult to remain levelheaded. There may be alcohol present, which loosens inhibitions, and if you are a virgin, your boyfriend may assume that sex is part of the package; Mom may not trust the other couple not to bring alcohol or drugs; the other couple may be planning to have sex, drink or do drugs, which will pressure your boyfriend (and possibly you) to do the same.

Imagine the scenario, and you will understand why your mother thinks it's a bad idea. Some prom sleepovers are OK because they involve an entire class or there is some kind of parental supervision. Also, you are still living at home and subject to your parents' rules. Decide how much a fight is worth to you, because it can undermine some of the respect between you and Mom. Spending the night alone with your boyfriend and one other possibly intimate couple is a recipe for regret. If you want to do a prom sleepover, we think you should try to make less intimate plans.

Dear Annie: Since becoming a senior citizen I've asked myself, my peers and even the fellow at the DMV who wanted to know if I wanted to donate my organs, "Do they really want well-used organs?" Tell me, Annie, when are hearts, eyes or livers too old to be viable?

— Adrienne in Massachusetts

Dear Adrienne: There is no age limit on donating organs, as long as the donor is in good health and the organs are not damaged. Those who would like more information can contact: The Living Bank at 1-800-528-2971 or visit www.livingbank.org.