DEAR ABBY: My husband of 55 years used to be verbally abusive when things didn't go right for him.
Some years ago, you suggested that if someone was angry with his or her spouse, a list of 10 admirable qualities be written down before expressing anger.
My husband took your advice. He composed a list of 13 things he admired about me and gave it to me. Abby, he has been a new person since then, and reading his list has made me a better person, too.
Other people should try it. I have enclosed his list in case you would like to share it with your readers. -- BERTHA IN PIQUA, OHIO
DEAR BERTHA: I'm almost hesitant to do so, for fear that you'll be stolen away by someone who wants to place you on an even higher pedestal.
BERTHA'S GOOD POINTS
(1) Good mother to the kids
(2) Good worker
(3) Helped me get a house
(4) Helped me leave the farm
(5) Is respected by others
(6) Is dependable and faithful
(7) Good cook and housekeeper
(8) Good with business
(9) Good shopper and money manager
(10) Good seamstress and canner
(11) Good education; very smart
(12) Good lover
(13) Good-looking, neat, and good dresser
P.S. Bertha, now it's time for you to list your husband's finer qualities. First on the list should be his willingness to change.