DEAR HARRIETTE: To protect our health after the World Health Organization classified bacon as carcinogenic as asbestos and cigarettes, my wife is dead set against buying any more bacon. I love bacon -- plus all meat! -- and don't want to give up bacon or sausages. I think everything is now on some danger list, and doing too much of anything can kill you. I do not cook or do the grocery shopping for the house, so I need to figure out how to create a compromise between us. I could buy bacon on the way home from work and hope that she'll cook it in the morning, but I think trying to find a level playing field for processed meat is the best option. My wife is stubborn, so I know I won't be forcing my opinion on her successfully. I have not heard of any other bacon bans in households, and I think this is an overreaction. What could I say to my wife to persuade her to allow bacon back into our lives? -- Bring Home the Bacon, Atlanta
DEAR BRING HOME THE BACON: Your wife is trying to save your life -- and preserve the health of the family. Of course it is hard to give up something that you love to eat. But trust that the WHO didn't make this pronouncement without careful consideration. Indeed, its advisement includes eliminating or at least limiting all processed meats.
I'm sorry, but I can't make a suggestion for why you should convince your wife to continue to cook bacon. I can say that if you want to fulfill that urge every now and again, you can get yourself a sandwich with bacon from a deli. Best, though, to let it go!