Dear Abby: They say rude things about my fast walk, and it annoys me

"DEAR ABBY: I have a fast walk, and since I have been working as a housekeeper at a hospital, I often get comments about it. In my previous profession (waitress and bartender), that never happened, perhaps because it is common in a high-energy industry. Interestingly, comments I receive like, Run, run, run, or Where's the fire? are never directed at doctors, nurses or my supervisors. Maybe it's about my age. I'm a strong, healthy and energetic 69 years young. Comments about my fast walk annoy me. I usually retort with, I'm not walking fast. You're watching me too slow. I'm thinking of having T-shirts made that say on the back, Yes, I walk fast! Abby, what do you think about this? Do you have a quick and slightly snarky response I could throw at these rude, insensitive people? SPEEDY GAL IN CANADA"

"DEAR SPEEDY GAL: These people may not intend to be rude. Rather than look for ways to dismiss them, which would likely cause hard feelings, just smile and keep walking at your own pace. If you feel you must respond, say, This is how I get the job done, and keep moving."

"DEAR ABBY: I am an 80-year-old man who is recently retired and in relatively good health. My wife is about the same. We recently received a request from our son, who is 50, for his share of the inheritance now rather than later. It came as a shock. He is selling his company, which is valued at $7 million to $8 million. He tells me he is cash-poor, which affects the leverage of his sale. While we have the money, we would have to empty our savings and cash in some investments. We are not destitute by any means and can probably manage this, but I'm wondering if I should be offended by the question of an advance inheritance. I've never dealt with this before and wonder if you have any thoughts about the propriety. Should I involve my other children? It affects them, too. TAKEN ABACK IN TEXAS"

A 69-year-old housekeeper receives frequent comments about her fast walking and finds them annoying. She considers snarky responses or a T-shirt that proclaims her speed. Recommended options include smiling, continuing at her normal pace, or saying, "This is how I get the job done." An 80-year-old retired man and his wife were asked by their 50-year-old son for an advance on his inheritance because he is selling his business and is cash-poor. Granting the request would require depleting savings and liquidating investments. Professional legal, tax, and financial advice is recommended before deciding.

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