Wife finds long beard hard to stomach

DEAR ABBY: My husband has a long, bushy beard, and although I don’t like it, I realize he’s entitled to wear his facial hair any way he likes it. The problem is, when he eats, his beard gets into his plate, which I find nauseating. — Too Much Hair in Texas

DEAR TOO MUCH HAIR: If your husband’s beard drags his food off his plate, the first thing you should do is suggest that he sit up straighter when he’s eating. However, if he’s unwilling — or unable — to do that, perhaps he would consider using one hand to hold his beard aside when he’s about to take a forkful, or using hair clips to keep it away from his food.

Readers, if you have suggestions, I’d love to see them.

DEAR ABBY: My mother is a smart, independent woman — until she gets a boyfriend.

Every relationship starts out well; the guy seems nice. Then he moves into her house. Mom turns into a brainless, spineless puppet. It causes conflict between us because she thinks I’m trying to sabotage her relationship.

She has had her current boyfriend for two years. I’m disabled and require some help. So do my grandparents and a family friend Mom takes care of to supplement her income. The boyfriend is pushing Mom to spend three to four months with him in Arizona, leaving those of us who need her without help.

None of these men ever help her out financially. Should I say nothing and let her disappear? What happens to the people who depend on her? — Just Her Daughter in Colorado

DEAR JUST: What happens to the ADULTS who depend on your mother is they arrange for outside assistance. And if this is the first time in years that she will have taken a break, you should all wish her well.

DEAR ABBY: One of my co-workers constantly interrupts when I’m having a conversation. It doesn’t seem to matter who I am speaking with or what the subject is.

I feel her behavior is extremely discourteous. The subjects she discusses are things like the sandwiches her husband bought the day before, what they had for dinner or whatever is trending at the moment. She never discusses work-related issues.

This happens every day. Would you share some ideas on how to deal with her interruptions? — Bothered Office Guy

DEAR OFFICE GUY: Obviously, your co-worker was never taught that interrupting is rude. Because it bothers you, tell her it’s distracting when she breaks into your conversations. If she persists, and other co-workers feel as you do, bring it to the attention of your supervisor or HR.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.