DEAR MISS MANNERS: I belong to a couple of women’s groups. Oftentimes some of them, plus other friends, make the sort of comment, “You cannot quit or die (I’m 77) before I do and leave me here all alone.”

While this may be construed as flattery (they can’t live without me!), my reaction is more of, “Thanks a lot. Now who am I supposed to always have available for ME?”

I need to find a response to those comments that doesn’t sound so peevish. I also don’t want to make them feel bad when they think they’re being complimentary. What may I say?

GENTLE READER: “As you well know, that is beyond any of our control.”

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