Yes, I can type with them and use my iPhone and manage my daily life, but not at my ATM, gas stations, rent-a-cart at airports and parking meters where you insert a credit card. I have had to ask strangers at those places to retrieve the card after I insert it because my fingernails are too long to pull it out of the machine. That is inviting trouble, and what to do if nobody is around? What's the solution? I'm not giving up my long nails.
— Amelia J. Dear Amelia: This is a new one on me. Clearly the day is coming when swipe or tap-to-pay "contactless" payment using your phone will be everywhere and the "insert" issue will be as obsolete as the typewriter.
But it is going to take a while. In this transition period, you can buy a credit-card grabber/ puller specifically designed for this. They come on a handy key ring on Amazon.
com starting at $3.56. Thanks for the question, Amelia.
You've helped readers across the country solve this annoying dilemma. Speaking of obscure issues: Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I debuted a new pair of tropical-print swim trunks at a family event. One of my nieces accused me of being a swinger! Was I sending some signal? Should I stop wearing them? I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression.
— Daniel B. Dear Daniel: Tropical prints are everywhere and totally stylish. Stores are filled with prints on just about any piece of clothing (and accessories) you can imagine.
If that's the hidden meaning of items ranging from Hawaiian shirts to ball go.