DEAR CAT: I am not a writer but I experience the equivalent of "writer's block" in my own work. Do you experience this? And if so, how should I handle it? -- LAWYERMAN

	Do you want to ask a question? Send an e-mail to questions@ catscall.com or write to:   Catherine Specter   Post-Gazette   34 Blvd. of the Allies   Pittsburgh, Pa.   15222   ... or visit her Web site at catscall.com

DEAR LAWYER: It happens to everyone, in some form or another. There are limitless ways to deal with a block, and trial-and-error is the best way to find out which one works for you. Some of the most common remedies are: push through the block with extreme concentration, walk away from the project and engage in a completely unrelated task to get a fresh perspective later, throw yourself into a different work project, throw the whole thing out the window, or just grab a drink.

Cat's Call: Don't do the last unless you can put off the actual work until tomorrow.

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DEAR CAT: Friends of my parents want to set me up with their son. I'm sure he's nice but the things I already know about him make me certain it won't work. Not that he's a player or a psycho, just not my type at all. Can I say "no thanks" without offending them or embarrassing my parents? -- THANKS BUT NO THANKS

DEAR THANKS: Nope, sorry -- unless you have a boyfriend, in which case you're off scot-free. There is no chance they wouldn't be offended on some level if you dismiss their son as having no date potential. Your parents might not be embarrassed, per se, but it could muddy the waters a little bit with their friends. Just go out with him. What harm could it do? Who knows, maybe he's equally averse to dating you, which could make him more attractive. Or maybe it'll start a friendship, or ...

Cat's Call: Maybe it'll just be one date.

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DEAR CAT: My daughter is 37 and not married. She has been with the same man for four years and says she doesn't care if they get married. I've told her he will never marry her if she keeps this up. How can I convince her of this? -- CONCERNED DAD

DEAR C.D.: I hate to say this because your concern is compelling, but it's not about convincing her, it's about you. It's natural to assume that deep down she really wants to get married, and maybe she does, but maybe not to him. Or not right now. Her age doesn't mean she's ready. You're right that he probably won't marry her if he can get it all without walking down the aisle, but she may be of the same mind. There really are couples who forgo nuptials in favor of simply living their lives together. Not all women want a ring from the man they love, and sometimes they even say "no" when one is offered. That may not follow the "traditional" set of rules, but she obviously has her own set. Don't worry so much. She has her own agenda.

Cat's Call: If she doesn't care about the prospect of marrying him, it probably wouldn't be the best marriage.