DEAR ABBY: My husband went on a 10-day business trip recently, and he wrote me three letters. He addressed the first one to "Mary Smith," the second to "Mrs. Mary Smith" and the third to "Ms. Mary Smith."
I have a friend who studies psychology, and she told me that my husband's addressing me as he did -- carefully avoiding using "Mrs. John Smith" -- was his way of "de-wifing" me.
I should add that when my husband returned from the trip, he was as affectionate and loving as ever, and he certainly didn't "de-wife" me then.
What do you think of my friend's theory? -- PERPLEXED
DEAR PERPLEXED: Not much. And if I were you, I would "de-friend" her.