Dear Abby: My husband and I have been together for 12 years, but things have changed. We sleep in separate beds, and since we both work, we hardly spend time together and can't have a proper conversation.
I feel like I have a roommate who comes and goes as he pleases. He always makes excuses not to spend time with me and his daughter. I don't feel like he's married anymore. What should I do? — Dissatisfied in Virginia
Dear dissatisfied: Tell your husband that you feel more like living with a roommate than a spouse. She tells him that she misses the close relationship they once shared and asks if he intends to get it back. What is happening now is not fair to you or your daughter. Then, make an appointment with a marriage counselor and discuss the status of your marriage, with or without him if you prefer.
Dear Abby: I'm irritated with my neighbors, but I don't know how to deal with them. I live in a densely populated but quiet area. A few years ago, our new neighbors moved in and after they moved in, they hung wind chimes on their front porch. This is different from an ordinary wind chime. My guess is that the chime is at least 5 feet long.
I didn't think much of it at first. The whimsical melody that you hear every time the wind blows is cute. However, the wind is very strong here, so I always get distracted by the loud chimes. I don't want to be the guy who knocks on their door and tells them how I feel. I was hoping you would call me. — Riots in Rhode Island
We apologize for the inconvenience: Make it your business to find out what the noise ordinances are in your neighborhood.after that Become The type of neighbor who knocks on the door. When that happens, put a smile on your face and bring a small gift.
I don't want to be seen as a complainer, but I explain that on windy days I get a headache when it keeps ringing, so I would like to have the wind chime modified. If they are good neighbors and cooperative, be grateful. However, if this is not the case, you may need to take legal action.
Dear Abby: I recently got married and moved in with my 19 year old son and new husband. My son works full time and goes to school part time. He expects his husband to do the dishes and other household chores. My son takes care of the recycling and trash every week. I work part-time from home, but I don't mind doing housework. This has caused a lot of controversy between us. Is it wrong to defend my son? — Will in Florida
Dear Will: You don't have to “protect” your son. Three adults now live under that roof. Your son is not a freeloader; he works full time and takes classes. All three are required to wash dishes and do other household chores as needed.and you should all Timing and rotation of who does what and when should be agreed upon.
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440 (Los Angeles, CA 90069).
