​As an experiment, I have asked middle-age and younger people to tell me what the word "duty" means. The majority of American young people believe it means ‘tax’, thinking of duty-free shops at airports. They are hard-pressed to come up with any other meaning. Isn’t that a pickle?

​Most people gaining weight notice when their pants or, I guess, dress gets too tight. I urge you NOT to simply buy new pants when that happens. Fight the good fight. Eventually, as you age or have children, you may make a few, grudging strategic withdrawals to larger pants sizes, but don't give ground willingly.