DEAR DR. GOTT: While shopping at the only available pharmacy located in my small community, a particular cashier routinely offers humiliating, hillbilly remarks about my purchases.

One of her embarrassing comments was, "Hey old timer, considering all the pills you're taking, it's a good thing you're driving a pick-up to haul them all home!" Another hurtful example was when I inquired nervously about being lethargic and disinterested about certain activities in the bedroom. The insensitive clerk said loudly, giggling, "At your age, it's probably too late to experiment with kinky spark plugs, so consult your doctor or forget about it!"

Considering the young, abrasive assistant happens to be a single working mother, I'm reluctant to alert the pharmacist of her helper's uninvited insinuations in fear of placing the woman's employment at risk.

In lieu of traveling an extra 25 miles to fill prescriptions, can you help me find a courteous and professional course of action?

DEAR READER: Your "insensitive clerk" is nothing more than a bully. I suggest that you stand up to her and voice your dislike of her comments. Request she stop being rude and explain that while you do not wish to inform her boss, you will if necessary.

I understand that you do not wish to "tattle" on her behavior and contribute to her possible firing; however, her comments and behavior are completely inappropriate. If she cannot control herself and act with a certain amount of respect, she should not be working with the public.

Perhaps it will take reprimanding from her employer or even losing her job for her to realize she cannot continue to be a bully and must change.

As an aside, if she acts this way in public, especially at work, then how does she behave in the privacy of her home? This is not setting a good example for her child(ren).

I would not be concerned about hurting the feelings of the other pharmacy staff. You are the one being embarrassed. The other pharmacy personnel should be just as embarrassed to learn of this particular person's behavior.

Try my approach. If it fails, it is far easier to travel an extra 25 miles to be treated with the consideration and respect that everyone deserves. Chances are, if this is happening to you, it is happening to others as well. The pharmacy may well start losing business if they do not remedy the situation now.