Dear Dr. Laura,

My husband and I listen to your program. Recently, we heard a caller who had gained a bit of weight since they married and her husband wasn't keen on that. Your advice was drop her clothes in front of him and say is this not what you like?

I am 60 now. I have been married to the same fellow for 38 years. I am 5'5 and weigh 139 lbs. I have gained 20 lbs since our wedding. I work out at the gym 5 days a week and eat a well-balanced diet. My husband recognizes how hard I try to keep the weight off since entering menopause. He tells me how much he loves me and my body. Every year, tucked in my Christmas stocking, he puts in an IOU for a “naughty-but-nice” outfit which I wear occasionally. It makes me feel good he still thinks I have a good-looking body at my age.

Of course, part of my exercise and diet is to keep fit and not be in a wheelchair or use a walker when I get old. I don't think I'm old yet, even though I'm 60, but every one of us has a responsibility to exercise and eat well to prevent unnecessary health issues. So to all your listeners: start exercising and eat right.

Margaret