Dad’s bursts of enthusiasm collide with bedtime

DEAR ABBY » My husband gets very upset when our 4-year-old sons don’t share his enthusiasm over something that excites him. He wants them to jump up and down or cheer when he’s excited about something. The problem is, he tends to share his news when we’re getting ready for bed or just plain tired. I feel guilty for not acquiescing, but at the same time, I don’t want to fake it. Any suggestions for a compromise, please?

— At a Loss in Texas

DEAR AT A LOSS »

Explain to your husband that you are “sorry” he’s upset at the lack of enthusiasm he’s receiving when he’s excited about something, but his TIMING is off.

DEAR ABBY »

My former husband and I have been divorced for more than two years. We had our wedding reception in a club with live music, and we would go there every Saturday night to listen to the music. We were divorced shortly after our marriage because he had frequent violent outbursts. After our divorce, he called and asked if we could have a date night. When I went out with him, it was great.

My ex had serious surgery, which I helped him through, but because of a subsequent violent episode from him, I have now severed all ties with him. I’d like to go back and listen to the musicians, but I don’t know what to say when they ask me where he is. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

— Uncertain

Music Lover

DEAR MUSIC LOVER » When you are asked, all you need to say is, “‘John’ and I are no longer a couple, so you won’t be seeing him with me anymore. I may have split with my husband, but I haven’t fallen out of love with your music.”