Annie Lane, syndicated columnist

Dear Annie: I am a 27-year-old man who needs help. Recently, I met a guy via the internet. We hit it off and have a lot in common. In addition, he lives in the same state that I do. I’ve seen pictures of him, so I know what he looks like. He even gave me his phone number. I want to call him so we can stay in contact.

The problem is that I’m on the same phone plan as my parents, and they are the type of people who prefer face-to-face meetings and are wary of meeting people over the internet. How do I get them to understand that not all people you meet on the internet are bad people? — Different Generation

Dear Different Generation: You are not going to get your parents to change their minds about the internet; and, to be quite honest, their fears have some merit. There are some really bad people online. At the same time, there are plenty of wonderful individuals who have met their future spouse online. Don’t worry about convincing your parents. Just live your life and be smart and safe, and consider paying for your own phone plan.

Dear Annie: Last year, on Sept. 5, 2019, to be exact, a reader wrote in about intermittent fasting and how it has changed her life. I discovered fasting after reading her letter to you and have had much success in losing weight and staying healthy. I would like to tell “Healthy and Happy” thank you. — Grateful

Dear Grateful: Congratulations on your weight loss. Thank you for your letter, for sharing your success and for giving “Healthy and Happy” a shoutout. I am hopeful that “Healthy and Happy” will read this. And, in that same vein, I’d like to thank all of my readers who are willing to share their lives — the good, the bad and the ugly — with strangers. You never know the positive mark you can make.

Dear Annie: Due to COVID-19, my siblings and I were not able to see our very elderly mother for more than two months. When her birthday came around in May, we created “Happy Birthday” signs and taped them to our cars. We then proceeded to do a drive-by parade, while beeping our horns and hooting and hollering and waving at her. My siblings’ ages run between 65 and 57 (there are seven of us), and we all have different health issues. So, this drive-by benefited us all, and we got to see and celebrate our 94-year-old mom #AloneTogether. — Happy with a Parade

Dear Happy with a Parade: Thank you for your letter! What a wonderful way to celebrate your mom. You can also do this for children’s birthday parties, graduations or really any special occasion that you want to enjoy company while celebrating safely.

Editor’s note: “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.