If boyfriend wants ‘space,’ perhaps he should move out

problem) or kick to him to the curb? —

Dear Matter of Space: A man whose idea of a good time is going out drinking with his buddies to the point that he can’t make it home isn’t ready for an exclusive relationship. If your idea of a satisfying relationship is spending weekends enjoying each other’s company, tell him you need more than he’s prepared to give you and it would be better if one of you moved out.

Dear Abby: My wife has fibromyalgia and Behcet’s disease, an autoimmune disorder. We also have a 5-yearold daughter with special needs. My wife constantly complains about how much pain she’s in as she spends most of her days smoking and playing on her phone. She refuses to exercise and flits from doctor to doctor trying different pills and homeopathic remedies.

I’m in the military. I work full time and go to college full time. I take care of the cooking and cleaning around the house. She has gained a tremendous amount of weight, and I am no longer physically attracted to her. I’m also beginning to feel like her illnesses are an excuse to take advantage of me. I feel trapped and I want to run. What do I do? —

Dear Feeling Down: You are carrying a heavy load. But as tempting as it may seem, running away won’t make your problems disappear. You have a child who needs you and a wife who is legitimately sick. It’s time to explore what services may be available to you and your family through the military. A good place to start would be www. militaryonesource. mil. It is a 24/7 support resource for the military community that offers, among other things, faceto-face non-medical counseling.