DEAR CAT: I went to my office Christmas party dressed in what I inferred was the suggested "cocktail attire." During the party, my boss quietly said next year I might want to "rethink my outfit." I was wearing a pink party dress, black hose and black shoes. Is that too formal? -- RETHINKING

DEAR RETHINK: I doubt "too formal" was the issue. What kind of pink are we talking about? Pastel, cranberry, mauve, neon? The fabric: satin, chiffon, see-through lace, rubber? And the hose: sheer, opaque, fishnets? Maybe your plunging neckline meant "naked to the navel." Maybe you looked like an X-rated strawberry cupcake, and you work in an office where v-neck sweaters are considered risque. Solve the mystery and simply ask your boss what the problem was.

Cat's Call: when dressing for office soirees, a dress could have you rockin' ... or rollin' out the door with a pink slip to match your pink dress.

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DEAR CAT: The guy I'm dating has a very annoying habit. He conveniently "forgets" to have condoms whenever we get together. We discuss it every single time, but I end up having to keep a steady supply around. I think the responsibility should be on both of us, but he always says, "It's only a few dollars. What's the big deal?" Is it just me, or do you see what the big deal is? -- PASSING THE BUCK

DEAR P.T.B.: Oh, I see it, girlfriend. His logic is silly, hypocritical and insulting. Silly because the requisition of prophylactics requires more than money; it requires a bit of time and effort and foresight on your part. Hypocritical because he's just as capable of shelling out a few bucks. Insulting because it puts the onus solely on you. The next time he has convenient amnesia, have a headache. That should get him to the drug store ipso quicko.

Cat's Call: It takes two to do the mating dance. He can lead as well as you can.