Dear Diver,

Why are the divers usually so surly and mean in this column? Is it related to dishwasher’s wages and general feelings of persecution? Or is it a tough-guy deal? I’m not looking for a fluffy “Dear Abby” or anything, but how about a few honest and humorous answers to our pains and needs.

– Marla,

Durango

Dear Marla,

We are in direct contact with chemicals all day. Of course we have some sort of an imbalance. Well, at least that’s our excuse for all the other divers out there.

– Thanks for asking, Your Coffee Girls

Dear Diver,

By what age should children be potty-trained? Our 3-year-old is still a big fan of his pull-ups and refuses to make the transition. Are there any long-term psychological impacts from letting him have his own way? Will having a soiled diaper lead to anally retentive behavior later in life? Please help. It’s getting expensive.

– Tired of changing Huggies in Durango

Dear Sticky Fingers,

While moms and divers deal with messes, they are a little different. So, we consulted with two moms we know, and they both had the same answer. Basically, don’t worry about it. By the time they get to school, if they still potty their pants, their peers will embarrass them into training themselves. Just remember to take the cost of Huggies out of their allowance and help teach them some responsibility at the same time. As for scarring your child psychologically, don’t let them know you asked a notoriously sarcastic newspaper for toilet-training advice.

– Kisses and Huggies, Your Coffee Girls

Dear Diver,

What’s up with people always using the excuse, “Sorry, I’ve been so busy.” Isn’t everyone in Durango busy?  People should just come out with the truth – they’ve been hanging out with other people doing other things – or am I just being insecure?

– Brandy via e-mail

Dear Brandy,

While “I’ve been busy” is generally a fairly lame excuse for people not wanting to hang out, it beats “I had to wash my hair.” Honestly though, some people are really busy while others are not. Take into consideration the person, then drop your insecurities and drop your friends who consider drinking beer on the porch being “too busy.” Go out there, make some plans and get “busy” yourself.

– Not enough time, Your Coffee Girls