DEAR ABBY: My husband, "Arthur," and I have been married 3 1/2 years and have a 1-year-old daughter.
My problem may seem minor, but it is extremely frustrating. Every night after dinner, Arthur lies down on the couch to watch television. He then falls asleep. About 2 or 3 a.m., he comes upstairs and crawls into bed with me. Abby, we never cuddle or fall asleep together. I'm very hurt that we don't spend any time alone at the end of the day like most married couples.
I have discussed my feelings with Arthur many times. He understands that it upsets me but says he can't go to bed as early as I do. He says he really enjoys watching TV and the "dozing off" feeling is relaxing for him. I'm at the point of wanting to lock him out of the bedroom so he can watch TV and sleep on the couch all night. What do you advise? -- SLEEPING ALONE IN MINNESOTA
DEAR SLEEPING ALONE: Buy a small television set for the bedroom, with earphones for Arthur. Get yourself some earplugs and a sleep mask, if necessary. Then Arthur can enjoy dozing off in front of the TV, and you will have him in bed next to you.
If he objects to this solution, television may not be the only problem in your marriage. Consider counseling.