Husband lives in a haze of youthful memories
By Abigail Van Buren June 27, 2012 11:32AM
stoned man
Updated: July 28, 2012 6:24AM
Dear Abby: My husband, who is 53, talks often about his college days when he smoked marijuana. I tried it once and didn’t like it. Over the past several years he has started smoking it again.
I have told him I don’t approve, but he says he does it only occasionally “to take the edge off.” Many times he has smoked when we’re out on bike rides or on road trips. It makes me feel like he needs to be high in order to have a good time with me.
I tried compromising by asking him not to do it when we are together. He agreed, but he doesn’t keep his word.
I have noticed that he is becoming forgetful and is sometimes unable to understand information. Is this a midlife crisis he’s going through?
Mrs. Pothead
in Winona, Minn.
Dear Mrs. Pothead: It’s not a midlife crisis. I’m told that the grass that’s available today is far stronger than when your hubby smoked it in college.
Your husband may be becoming forgetful and unable to process information because he’s smoking pot a lot, or because of a neurological problem. Because marijuana slows reaction time, he should not be driving while under the influence, and you shouldn’t be riding with him.
Since you can’t convince him to stop, you could benefit from visiting a support group for families and friends of individuals who are addicted to drugs, because marijuana is one, and it appears your husband has become addicted.
P.S. Of course, marijuana is also illegal.
Dear Abby: “Jerry,” my husband, has been sending pictures of himself to online dating sites, advertising for a personal relationship with the so-called “right woman.”
I feel this is a betrayal of our marriage vows and that it’s cheating. He claims he’s “just looking” at what’s out there.
I feel hurt and betrayed. Am I wrong to feel this way, or should I believe what he says about harmless fun?
Broken-Hearted Libra, Louisville, Ky.
Dear Libra: Your instincts are right on the money. You have every right to feel betrayed, hurt and cheated on because your husband’s words don’t match his actions. What he’s doing is not “harmless fun”; it is a danger to your marriage. Do not tolerate it. Run, don’t walk, to a marriage counselor. If your husband won’t go with you, go alone because your marriage could depend upon it.
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