DEAR ABBY: What is wrong with men that they don't have the energy to pick up a phone when they're going to be late and let their wives (or girlfriends) know? After an hour we get anxious; after two, we get worried.
After three hours had passed with no word from my husband, I called the police. They assured me that there had been no accidents in the area. I considered asking them if they would be willing to arrest my husband for causing so much worry and making me look like such a fool for having called them.
We women are equally to blame. As soon as we find out that everything's OK, our hearts melt with relief and we forgive them on the spot. I need to know how to stay angry long enough to let my husband know this is unacceptable behavior. Hello! There are pay phones all over the place. You men can let us know what's going on at any time. -- KAREN IN LILY DALE, N.Y.
DEAR KAREN: I don't blame you for being miffed. Three hours is a long time to wonder if a loved one is dead, injured or simply inconsiderate.
I have another idea. Rather than "staying angry," give your darling a cell phone. Then if he's more than a half-hour late, instead of calling the police -- call HIM.