Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: I am a male escort working on my master's degree at a university in Washington, D.C. I take out women (usually my mother's age) and am well paid. There is no sex involved. These women simply need a decent-looking, well-dressed guy to take them to various social events at which they would feel ill at ease if not accompanied.

Very few friends know about my "moonlighting," which is the way I want it. I have met some interesting, intelligent women in my work, most of them widowed or divorced. Three of these women would like to marry me.

Marriage is out of the question. I am gay. Should I tell them? It would be easier than trying to make up reasons for my lack of interest. Yes or no, Ann? — Mr. X in D.C.

Dear Mr. X: No. A negative response to the marriage proposals is adequate. There is no need to go into detail about your personal life. Meanwhile, don't be ashamed of your part-time job. The older women are no doubt grateful for the company. And escorting them to social events is a lot easier than cleaning office buildings at night.

Dear Ann Landers: I just read the letter from the woman who asked her daughter's friends to do charitable good deeds rather than bring gifts to the girl's birthday party. She said she didn't want her daughter to grow up to be materialistic like the previous generation.

Well, OK, so her daughter won't be materialistic. Big deal. She will grow up to be a good little socialist instead. I say let the kid get presents. My generation may have been materialistic, but we aren't nearly as screwed up as today's touchy-feely generation. — Hal in Texas

Dear Hal: You're out of the loop. Touchy-feely is old hat. The trend is now toward the materialistic and the acquisitive. Check the online crowd, and you will see what computers have done to our society. There are so many goodies to be had, and people want more of everything. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: "Things are in the saddle and ride mankind." If Emerson came back today, he would get an eyeful.

Gem of the Day: A wonderfully consoling thought about marriage is that when you look around, you will always see someone who did worse.

"A Collection of My Favorite Gems of the Day" is the perfect little gift for that special someone who is impossible to buy for. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS