By PHILLIP MILANO Question If I am in a situation where I am with a serviceperson who is a stranger to me, should I initiate a handshake or thanks? Is this expected of me? Ben, Seattle Replies I have thanked many service men and women because I feel very appreciative for their service. I am quick with the gratitude and …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question What does it mean when an American calls someone a “French whore”? Julie, 22, Nashville Replies Our country is still obsessed with moralistic rules and judges the way France glorifies the female body as immoral. These same people also don’t want to admit that the American media glorifies the female body, too (but the plastic Barbie …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Why do so many young men have those loud boom radios in their cars and loud noisemakers on the exhaust pipes? Cal N., 66, Jacksonville Replies It’s a way of showing they have money to spend on these things – even if they have to miss a few bills. Jesse, 28, male, W.Va. It’s just a …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question My 5-year-old son is very sensitive and fastidious. Last night, he told me he was going to marry his friend, a boy. I will love him the same no matter what, but it does worry me and scares his dad to death. When do boys begin to know something is different about them? Renee, 35, San …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Why do Hispanic women have to be married before they are in their 30s? K.C., Indianola, Miss. Replies In the eyes of many in the Hispanic culture, a woman without a man has less value. Monica, 27, Hispanic, San Antonio The men get this, too, but being a culture dominated by men, sowing wild oats is …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses churches have no windows? Jimmy, 32, Catholic, Edinburg, Texas Replies Depending on the area, it may be safer to do without windows. I grew up in Chicago, and in the dangerous neighborhoods, the halls were either windowless or barred. Lina, 20, Jehovah’s Witness, Bradenton Not having windows is also a cost-saving measure, …