Frustration and Anger in Marriage
A woman from Canada wrote to express her frustration with her husband’s behavior around her menstrual cycle. She stated that whenever her cycle is approaching, her husband becomes angry and panicked if they are not intimate, despite her not feeling well. He travels for work and is only home four nights a week, and if they cannot be intimate, he pouts and gets angry.
Ignoring Feelings and Being Selfish
The woman feels that her husband is ignoring her feelings and prioritizing his own desires. He claims that she has "no time for him," but she points out that he is often out of the house until late at night, and she cannot stay up late because she has to work the next day. The woman is wondering if it is right for her husband to be angry with her about something that is beyond her control.
Advice from Dear Abby
Dear Abby responded by saying that the husband seems to be an ignorant bully. It is not right for him to be angry with his wife about her body’s natural processes. Dear Abby suggested that the couple seek the help of a licensed marriage and family therapist to work through their issues and find a compromise. She also emphasized that sex in marriage should be a mutually agreed-upon and loving act, not a dominant or controlling behavior.
Finding Love Again After Loss
Another woman, from Texas, wrote to Dear Abby after losing her husband to cancer five months ago. She is struggling to come to terms with her loss and is wondering if she will ever find another husband to spend her life with. She spent all her time taking care of her husband until he passed away and is now feeling empty and alone.
Coping with Grief and Moving Forward
Dear Abby offered her condolences and advised the woman to take time to grieve but also to focus on her physical and social well-being. She suggested that the woman get out of the house, exercise, and volunteer in her community to meet new people and improve her chances of finding a new partner. While there are no guarantees, Dear Abby encouraged the woman to be open to new experiences and to take care of herself.
