Other articles by Jeanne Phillips:

Dear Abby : What they're doing is theft Dear Abby : Holidays aren't for everyone Dear Abby : Wishing unhappiness for ex Dear Abby : Don't listen to pessimists Dear Abby : Do people pretend an interest? Dear Abby : Hubby needs vow reminder Dear Abby : Who pays for birth control? Dear Abby : Time to make princesses work Dear Abby : Try compromise on holiday Dear Abby : Is wearing a thong so wrong?

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DEAR ABBY: I have been wondering about the custom of shoe removal when someone is a guest at the home of the person who practices this custom before entering the house.

When the entryway has several pairs of shoes in plain view, it's obvious the residents remove their footwear before entering the living space. By the way, I am not referring to entering a Japanese home where it is considered disrespectful to leave one's shoes on.

How can a guest handle a situation like this in your standard American home? — Footloose in Florida

DEAR FOOTLOOSE: Proper etiquette would be for the hosts to inform prospective guests beforehand about their preference that shoes not be worn inside their home. That way, the person can choose to accept the invitation or not, or dress in such a way that his/her "image" won't be ruined when the shoes come off.

This subject is mentioned in "Emily Post's Etiquette," 17th Edition, by Peggy Post, who says: "While removing your shoes when entering someone else's home isn't typically a part of U.S. culture . . . politely asking family, friends and party guests to do so is fine."

DEAR ABBY: I'm in my second year of playing baseball for the Babe Ruth league in my town. I like the sport, but I'm only an average hitter and fielder. I'm not even close to being one of the good players on the team.

My dad puts a lot of effort into trying to make me the best on the team. I try as hard as I can to improve at practice and in the games, but I don't seem to get any better.

I want to be all that my father wants me to be — and more — but no matter how hard I try, I just don't have the talent. Should I tell my father that this is the best that I will probably ever get? — Doing the Best I Can

DEAR DOING THE BEST YOU CAN: Not just yet. Your father may get pleasure from spending the time with you and be unaware of the pressure you're experiencing. Not everyone excels in sports. That's why we have writers, scientists, artists and computer geniuses.

Look at it this way: You were good enough to qualify for the team. Do you still enjoy the game? If it has become a burden, talk to your coach about it. Maybe he can have a talk with your father, and you can share some other activity.