DEAR ABBY: What is this thing about dogs? I see women on dating sites saying, "You must love my dog," and I find it really annoying. I know some women adore their dogs, but demanding that a man should love your dog if he really cares about you is insane. What's the matter with these women? I think they're emotionally unbalanced. -- IRRITATED IN GEORGIA

DEAR IRRITATED: There is a school of thought that if someone wants loyalty and constancy, the way to find it is to adopt a dog. For some people, regardless of gender, their dog becomes like their child, and anyone becoming romantically involved with them must accept that it will be a package deal. Because you are not an animal lover, these women would not be an appropriate match for you.

DEAR ABBY: Today I ironed and folded my late husband's lucky fishing shirt and placed it into a box going to Goodwill. Continuing with the task, I matched up 14 pairs of my good merino wool socks, most of which had been gifts from him in times that were not so flush. After three months, I have finally moved the box containing his ashes from the kitchen table.

Yesterday, I saw a couple sitting together in a fast-food restaurant. They were both focused only on their phone screens. I wanted so badly to shake them, to tell them to look at each other and talk to each other. They are so fortunate to have each other's company.

Is it human nature to miss the water only when the well goes dry? Snuggle, hold hands, converse and say "I love you" every day. Don't wait for Valentine's Day. I was so lucky; you can be too. Abby, please remind your readers to appreciate their special someone every day and show it. -- LOVED EVERY DAY

DEAR LOVED: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband. More people than young lovers have been known to become captives of their cellphones. I have observed the same phenomenon among older couples, but it also applies to parents with small children. Your message that we should love and show appreciation for each other every day is important, because no one is guaranteed a tomorrow.

DEAR ABBY: My family and I like to entertain, so our powder room is used often. Instead of laundering the same three hand towels, I bought a nice-looking vertical paper towel holder with a roll of paper towels that now stands by the bathroom sink. Hubby says paper towels are only for the kitchen and look tacky in a powder room. Who's right? -- USEFUL IN TEXAS

DEAR USEFUL: Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, your idea of disposable hand towels in the guest bathroom resonates with me. They are practical, inexpensive and more hygienic than if someone is the third, fourth or fifth guest using the towels. There are, however, disposable towels (some monogrammed) that can be purchased online and look nicer than those on a roll. You might consider checking them out.

DEAR ABBY: I recently married "John," the love of my life. I have a great relationship with my mother-in-law, "Sarah." She and my father-in-law are retired and well-off financially. For each special occasion, John and I thoughtfully select gifts for his parents, and we have spent extra to ensure that our gifts convey our love and appreciation for them.

The problem is, Sarah gifts us trash, literally. On several occasions, we have received broken items in random boxes, items with missing pieces and used items, including kitchen and cooking utensils. This happens every holiday. She has also gifted our child secondhand toys and clothes, most of which were already missing pieces or were several sizes too small.

After talking to other family members, I learned that Sarah has been gifting junk for years, but her family members have never addressed the issue with her for fear of upsetting her. My sister-in-law told me she has witnessed Sarah dig items out of her basement and wrap them as gifts.

Abby, this leaves a terrible taste in my mouth and has led me to feel a slight resentment toward Sarah. I believe her actions are disrespectful and in poor taste. I don't want to cause hurt feelings, but I need this behavior to stop. How can I convey to Sarah that I need her to quit gifting us junk? -- REGIFTED IN NORTH CAROLINA

DEAR REGIFTED: Do it in plain English, with your husband present, before the next gift-giving occasion arises. Convey that if she has secondhand items she wants to get rid of, she should donate them to her favorite charity thrift shop. Then tell her you don't need anything and, in the future, you would prefer she give you a nice card, preferably one that hasn't been recycled.

DEAR ABBY: Years ago, after high school, I spent a semester abroad, where I met and fell madly in love with another American student in the same program. We dated off and on for several years and remained close friends. Even after I'd married someone else, we would write often and occasionally travel together. He and my husband got along well. Then he met the woman who eventually became his wife, and she preferred we not maintain our friendship. He and I haven't spoken in at least 15 years.

Recently, one of the teachers of our semester abroad retired and gave away a pile of photos, including ones from the program I was in. I digitized the images and would love to share them with my old friend. I sent an email to the most recent address I have for him and received no reply. Now I'm not sure if it's because it's a bad email address or because he's not interested in starting a conversation with me. A quick, non-stalking web search did not immediately turn up a second address.

Is it worth another try? I'm pretty sure I could contact him through his family, but do you think it's better to let it go? In my heart, I know I'm using the pictures as an excuse to get in touch, but I don't have nefarious intentions. -- RIGHT DECISION IN THE EAST

DEAR RIGHT DECISION: I'm voting no. Whether or not you are trying to reach out to this man for nefarious reasons, the result would be that his wife would be upset about it. Let it go.

DEAR ABBY: I have read that you have a sweet tooth. I do, too. That's why I'm interested in your recipe booklets, particularly if you have included dessert recipes. Which ones do you particularly love? -- LOVES IT SWEET IN ANNAPOLIS, MD

DEAR LOVES: That's a tough question. It's hard to choose just one recipe because I do have a sweet tooth as well as "a bit" of an addiction to chocolate, which is more information than you asked for.

The following recipe is one I have enjoyed many times and also have made as gifts for friends. It yields 4 1/2 dozen brownies (depending upon how large one decides to portion them out), and they freeze well. Warning: The first time I tasted them, they triggered a binge. After consuming my third brownie, I was ashamed to go back to the dessert table, so I sneaked to the kitchen and begged for the recipe.

This recipe is included in my cookbooklet set, which, in addition to desserts, includes many other delicious crowd-pleasing recipes for entertaining. To order it, send your name and address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mt. Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

If you are a serious chocolate lover, this recipe will make your toes curl, and that's a promise. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.

REGENCY BROWNIES

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups chopped walnuts

1 teaspoon vanilla

FROSTING

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line the bottom of an 18-by-12-by-2 (or 1)-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray generously with butter-flavored cooking spray.

In the top of a double boiler, over medium heat, melt butter and 4 ounces chocolate. Reserve.

In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing well. Add chocolate mixture, blending thoroughly. Stir in nuts and vanilla.

Pour into prepared baking pan. (Batter should be about 1/2-inch thick, not more.) Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until top is crisp and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool before pouring frosting over the top.

For the frosting: Bring cream to a boil, stirring constantly. Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl; pour boiling cream over the chocolate and stir to blend well. Spread thin layer of warm frosting over top of brownies in pan. When cool, cut into 2-inch squares.

DEAR ABBY: I don't know how to respond when someone I know socially says they have just come from a political event for a candidate I detest and can't believe this person would favor. I don't discuss politics, so why anyone mentions something like this disturbs me. I don't want to say, "That's nice," and have them think I approve, but I don't want to show my disgust and provoke an argument. Any ideas? -- DISCREET GUY IN THE SOUTH

DEAR GUY: If you prefer to avoid the subject of politics, just say, "What else are you doing these days?" Smile when you say it and it shouldn't be offensive.