“Dear Abby: Wife should take busy hubby's phone calls”

Dear Abby: Wife should take busy hubby's phone calls

Posted: 25 Dec 2010 09:12 PM PST

Published: December 26. 2010 12:01AM

Dear Abby: When my husband, "Mac," calls me on the phone, he expects me to look at the caller ID and immediately interrupt whatever conversation I'm having to take his call.

Unless I expect an important call (from a doctor or my children's school), I do not look at the caller ID. I give my full attention to the person I'm speaking to. If I hear someone "beep," I'll attempt to quickly bring the conversation to a polite and natural end before calling back the person who tried to reach me.

Mac believes that anyone I'm talking to should understand that he takes priority. Abby, Mac is a high-level executive with limited free time during the day. He is not otherwise demanding and usually calls me only once a day. Who is right? -- On A Short Phone Leash

Dear On A Short Phone Leash: As your husband is a high-level executive, his time may be tightly scheduled. Because he calls you only once a day, it's not too much to ask that you take the call. I can understand that he finds it frustrating that you refuse.

Dear Abby: My mother-in-law, "Thelma," came to live with us two years ago at age 82. Because she likes to cook, she has done most of the meal preparation. It has been a big help since my husband and I work full time.

Over the last year, Thelma's judgment has deteriorated and so have her cooking skills. She'll often prepare meals by 2 p.m. that won't be served until 6 or 7.

The food sits on the stove or kitchen counter for hours.

My mother-in-law is so kind, I don't want to offend her. My husband refuses to discuss it with her because he doesn't want to upset her. Please help. -- Hungry In Missouri

Dear Hungry: Food is the least of your problems. Your mother-in-law is showing signs of dementia. You and your husband need to understand that what's happening may be progressive. A point may come when, if a fire should start while she's cooking, she would no longer remember what to do.

Write to Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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