DEAR ABBY: I have heard many men fantasize about hooking up with a nymphomaniac. Speaking as someone with 20/20 hindsight, I advise any man who meets one to run!

I was married to a woman with that problem, and at first I did think I was in heaven. I didn’t learn about the downside until much later.

Every day after I left for work, another man spent the day with my wife. And when I went into the military, she disappeared. I later learned that she was frequenting bars, having encounters with anyone and everyone who would, and contracting multiple STDs in the process. At the time I was very angry at her. I now realize she was driven by an addiction over which she had no control.

So, unless you are prepared to spend every minute of every day with a nymphomaniac, expect to share – with the world. – OLDER AND WISER

DEAR OLDER AND WISER: As your letter proves, sometimes there CAN be too much of a good thing. What’s the old saying, “Moderation in all things”? It’s true.

DEAR ABBY: My daughter, “Kim,” is in grade school. She’s an only child, and ever since she was little, I have invited kids over so she’d have someone to play with. Most of their parents promise they’ll have Kim over for a play- date at their house “soon,” but soon never seems to come.

Kim is nice to her classmates and well-behaved in school. Her friends’ parents always tell me what a great time their kids have at our house.

Kim never says anything about not being invited to the homes of other children, but I’m starting to feel like a free baby-sitting service.

What should I do the next time a parent says, “Let’s get the kids to play together over vacation or the weekend”? – EVERYONE’S BABY SITTER

DEAR BABY SITTER: Say this: “That’s a wonderful idea. Can we do it at your house? I have some things I have to take care of at that time, and your supervising the children would really help me out.”

DEAR ABBY: I am a 15-year-old high school freshman. English is my second language. I was in ESL during junior high school. I not only learned enough English to go into mainstream, but I also have college-prep classes in which I am quite good.

My history teacher told me about a program called “Upward Bound” that holds classes on Saturdays and is very promising. I didn’t think my English was good enough, but I applied and was accepted. Now I am afraid to go. I’m worried that people will judge me because of my Colombian accent.

I have received much advice about this issue, but I still need more. Perhaps you will help me. – WORRIED ABOUT COLOMBIAN ACCENT

DEAR WORRIED: Go to the class! You were accepted, so for heaven’s sake, take advantage of the opportunity. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Should anyone be rude enough to comment on your accent, sweetly ask him or her how he or she would do taking classes in YOUR native language.

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.

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $5 (U.S. funds only) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.