DEAR ABBY: I have been dating “Lowell” for more than a year. He’s a college graduate with a professional job. We have begun talking marriage, and I am thrilled, but I have one concern: Lowell believes he is from another planet.

When Lowell first mentioned it, I laughed and said, “I thought there was something different about you.” The trouble is, he isn’t joking! (This is ridiculous because his parents are alive, and I know he was born in Chicago.) Lowell insists that he is “special” and I should feel honored that he loves me.

Last night was the final straw. He said it to my brother and his wife, and they looked at him as if he WAS from another planet. When we got back to my apartment we had a huge fight. I told him never to mention that ludicrous story again to anyone. He insists that if we are going to spend the rest of our lives together, I have to accept him for who he is.

Abby, I love Lowell, but I can’t have him telling our friends and family – and our future children – that he is from another galaxy. What should I do? – NOT EASY BEING AN EARTH GIRL

DEAR NOT EASY: I have heard of men who are “out of this world,” but not in the sense that Lowell is trying to convey. Before discussing marriage any further, talk to Lowell’s mother and find out how long he’s been nursing this delusion. We all want to be “special,” but your young man has taken it to an extreme. His insistence that you should feel “honored” that he loves you is another red flag.

I often advise premarital counseling for couples who are considering marriage. In this case, it should be with a psychotherapist who can identify what Lowell’s problem is before it becomes YOUR problem. If he refuses to go, my advice to you is to give him some “space.”

DEAR ABBY: I have been a school bus driver for 11 years. I am responsible for the safety of students traveling to and from school. I am writing because I am alarmed at the number of drivers who do not stop when they see a school bus with flashing red lights.

The law says any time a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, all cars must stop. Even drivers going the opposite direction on a divided or four-lane highway must stop.

It normally takes no more than one minute for children to get on or off the bus. What’s a minute when it comes to the life of a child? – CONCERNED BUS DRIVER IN OKLAHOMA

DEAR CONCERNED BUS DRIVER: Thank you for your timely reminder. School is back in session – and no appointment is more important than safeguarding the lives of children.

So slow down, folks! Ya move too fast. This generation’s gotta last. (With apologies to Simon and Garfunkel!)

DEAR ABBY: I am a 16-year-old girl who has a wonderful grandfather. He insists that I read your column every day. In fact, he calls me up in the afternoon and quizzes me about the letters just to make sure I have read them.

To prove to him that I do read your column, would you please print this and let him know that I think he is an awesome grandfather and that I feel lucky to have him?

(Now I can call and quiz HIM to see if he’s read your column today!) – A.R. IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR A.R.: With pleasure! Please let me know if your discerning and well-read grandfather passes the quiz!

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $10 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby – Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

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