Brother-in-law drinks excessively
Dear Annie: My wife’s brotherin-law, “Mike,” is the family character, always quick with a quip, just a fun-loving guy, seemingly without a care in the world. He has a few flaws, which are mostly tied to his excessive drinking, but they have always been overlooked, because, well, that’s just Mike.
Over the past few years, Mike has become a bit too clingy to my wife, shown by the longer-than-normal hugs, unrequested shoulder rubs, never missing a kiss goodbye, etc. However, his actions of late have become more excessive and obvious. Additionally, these displays of affection are uniquely bestowed upon my wife and no one else in the family.
My wife is uncomfortable with the situation but does not want to confront Mike, both because she is not confrontational by nature and out of respect for her sister. She would prefer to grin and bear it and hope for the best. I believe Mike needs to be pulled aside and confronted directly, telling him exactly what he is doing that makes my wife uncomfortable, making sure he understands he is crossing the line with her and his physical displays of affection need to stop. Your thoughts on how we should best try and address this situation would be appreciated. We look forward to your response. — At a Loss with the Loveable Lush
Dear At a Loss: Is it possible that Mike’s intensifying inappropriate behavior toward your wife coincides with an intensifying drinking problem? Alcoholism is a progressive disease, and you never know what might be going on behind closed doors. Your wife could open a dialogue with her sister: ask how things have been at home, gently and nonjudgmentally express concern about Mike’s drinking. That’s one place to start.
Additionally, see if your wife would be OK with you trying to stop his unwanted advances before they start.
Dear Annie: My boyfriend and I have been together nine years. I’ve always been the one to bring up marriage and kids. He never says much in those conversations.
I’m also always the one putting in the effort and showing him affection. The past year, we’ve hardly been intimate at all. When I ask him why, it’s always some excuse: “I’m exhausted,” or “I’m sore from work.” Yet I am the one who cleans the house on top of working full time. When I ask him to help with something around the house, he rarely does. I feel like I’ve done all I can and it’s not good enough. I’m 34, and he’s 40. — Girlfriend at a Crossroads
Dear Girlfriend: All couples go through ruts, and I think everyone in a long-term relationship has felt at some point as though their partner takes them for granted. With enough love, and the help of a couples counselor, those types of issues can be worked through. But if getting married and having kids is important to you, and if your boyfriend seems not at all interested in those things, then it’s time to have a serious conversation.