Dear Heloise: The 2020 SUMMER OLYMPICS will be held in Japan, so if your readers are interested in going, there are some customs to be considered:

* Upon greeting someone, bow. Shaking hands is uncommon, and the combination of shaking hands and bowing is inappropriate.

* Gift-giving is part of Japan’s social customs. When visiting a home, take a hostess gift — nothing too expensive, but something useful.

* Always remove your shoes before entering a home, and make certain the toe of your shoe points toward the door.

— C.D., via email

A WORD OF CAUTION

Dear Heloise: Never put your child’s name on a backpack or on clothing. Why? A child molester or a stranger of any kind can call the child by name, giving the child a false sense of security.

The police advise people to use a code word only the parents and child know. If the stranger doesn’t know the code word, tell your children to run away and find a police officer, a crossing guard or a neighbor. — Douglas T., Reston, Va.

PILLOW TALK

Dear Heloise: I’ve read so much about how some hotels or motels don’t clean their sheets and pillowcases or bedspreads as well as I’d like. In my job, I need to travel frequently, so I take my own pillowcase along with me when I travel. It’s hot pink, so I remember to take it with me when I leave. — Pam B., Charleston, W.Va.

COUPONS

Dear Heloise: My husband goes with me when I go grocery shopping, but he hates it when I pull out coupons and use them. Last week, we saved over $14 using coupons! As retired people, we need to take advantage of these savings, but my husband says it makes us look cheap or poor. — Betsy L., Wake Forest, N.C.

Betsy, no, it makes you look smart to save money without giving up the foods you enjoy. Manufacturers issue coupons to encourage people to try their brands, and they are happy to give you a discount on items you might have overlooked before. — Heloise

TWO IS BETTER

Dear Heloise: Please tell your readers that if they are going to adopt a cat or a dog and don’t have any other pets at home, then adopt two cats or two dogs. Pets need companionship, and having two pets just doubles the fun. — Sadie F., La Grange, Ky.

DOG COLLAR

Dear Heloise: I took my dog to the vet yesterday, and he said my dog’s collar was too tight. He told me I should be able to slide two fingers under the collar, and if I can’t, then the collar needs to be loosened. He also said that on a growing puppy, it’s VERY important to keep checking this rule of measurement so the collar doesn’t choke the dog. — Elizabeth D., Auburn, Maine

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.