DEAR ABBY: I am a retired airline pilot. My main recreational pastimes are golf and billiards, and I am good at both. However, I become despondent when I play badly, and lately my depression is hard to shake.
I have always had a competitive nature, but realize I'm no fun to be around when I'm down. I need an attitude adjustment so that friends won't shy away from playing with me. Any suggestions, Abby? -- SORE LOSER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
DEAR SORE LOSER: There's an old saying: It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game that counts. You are wise to realize that your quest for perfection has become a problem. The solution is counseling to help you get to the root of -- and deal with -- your obsession with always "winning," and your depression when you don't.