Dear Heloise: Here's a hint about maintaining clothes' absorbency. Perhaps I had previously learned this from you, but it's worth repeating as long as we're on the subject. Softeners decrease clothes' absorbency, so dry them without any softener.

-- John S., in Newbury Park

WRIST-LICKIN' good

Dear Heloise: To open plastic bags at the grocery store, I lick the inside of my wrist (much cleaner than my fingers) and touch this spot to dampen the fingers on my other hand.

-- Joanne M., in Rancho Mission Viejo

TICKET SNAFU

Dear Heloise: I just read about someone who was stressed out while traveling. We traveled in April without a problem when leaving; coming back home was the issue. On my husband's ticket, it just had his first and last name, but his driver's license includes his middle name. Make sure that the name on your ticket is the exact same as it is on your driver's license.

-Jean G., via email

HEARING DIFFICULTY

Dear Heloise: Despite hearing aids, I still have difficulty understanding what a store clerk, a waiter, or my friend at lunch has said. When I don't hear them, I'll say, "Excuse me?" At this point, not only does the clerk or waiter repeat what was said, but my friend does as well. As a result of this babel, I only hear garbled words.

If I ask again for the clerk or waiter to repeat what they said, the same thing happens again - only louder. Not only do I not hear the message any better, I'm embarrassed by all the shouting voices around me. Unless a person who has a hearing difficulty looks directly at you to repeat something, don't repeat it.

In an effort to be helpful, the chorus often isn't wanted, usually isn't helpful, and is always embarrassing for the person who's hard of hearing.

-H. S., in Orange County

H.S., thanks for writing in. If you haven't had your hearing aid checked for a malfunction, you might want to do this soon. It may be in need of a slight adjustment.

-Heloise

ZIP-UP COMPRESSION SOCKS

Dear Heloise: There are compression socks that are available with zippers. I have been using them for three years now and don't need any help to put them on. There are several brands. I buy them online from a well-known retailer. (I read your column in the Houston Chronicle.)

-Arnoldo E., via email

MIND AND BODY EXERCISE

Dear Heloise: Here's a hint that some people might find helpful, especially older citizens. When I go to the grocery store, I never take a list. I find that wandering around the store and trying to remember what I wanted to buy is a very good mental exercise. The extra steps I take in walking around the entire store about three times is good physical exercise.

So, I'm doing a brain exercise and also working to make my body stronger. Who knew how easy this could be!

-Philip K., via email

Send a great hint to  Heloise@Heloise.com.