DEAR ABBY: My husband has a sweet nature, but he talks too much. The older he gets, the more he talks. He's 56, and I'm afraid he's headed for a very lonely old age. Any suggestions? -- CONCERNED WIFE
DEAR WIFE: I could write a sermon on the subject. Allow me to quote from my booklet "How to Be Popular":
"The person who comes into your company and does all the talking is no less a hog than the person who comes to your table and eats all the food. Do not dominate the conversation.
"Don't feel that every moment must be filled with conversation. Take a little time out to think and reflect. Moments of complete silence can be relaxing. Don't interrupt when someone else is talking. It's rude. And if you have to raise your voice to be heard, the chances are nobody will listen to what you have to say anyway.
"Believe it or not, being a good listener will do more for you than being a good talker. If you want to make a hit with someone, ask him or her questions. People enjoy talking about themselves. Give them a chance, and they'll think you are a great conversationalist!"