Husband’s long beard is hard for wife to stomach at dinner

Dear Abby: My husband has a long, bushy, ugly 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 and in the food, which I find nauseating. — Too Much Hair In Texas Dear Too Much Hair: If your husband’s beard is so long it 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, perhaps he would use one hand to hold his beard aside.

Readers, if you have suggestions to help this grossedout Texas wife, I’d love to see them. Dear Abby: My mother is a smart, independent woman — until she gets a boyfriend. She has been dating ever since Dad died in 1994.

Every relationship starts out well; the guy seems nice. Then he moves in and Mom turns into a brainless, spineless puppet. She says I’m selfish and trying to sabotage her relationship.

I’m 37, disabled and require 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 of the year in Arizona, leaving those of us who need her without help.

Should I say nothing? What happens to the people who depend on her? — Just Her Daughter

Dear Just: What happens to the adults who depend on your mother is they arrange for outside assistance during the time she’s in Arizona. 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 with other people. It doesn’t seem to matter who I am speaking with or what the subject is. She’ll interrupt in the middle of the conversation, and everyone must stop and look at her or acknowledge her.

We are in a professional environment, and I feel her behavior is extremely discourteous. She never discusses work-related issues.

This happens every day

and it’s disruptive. Would you kindly 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. The next time she does it, tell her it’s distracting when she breaks into your conversations and to please stop. If she persists, and other co-workers feel as you do, bring it to the attention of your supervisor or HR and let that person handle it. 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 P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 or visit