DEAR ABBY: I know an older couple who seem to have an intractable problem. The wife, who now works part time, pursued painting as a hobby for many years. Her husband does not like her paintings. Almost every time I talk to him, he complains about the "junk" that his wife refuses to get rid of.
I have suggested that he give her one room of the house (there is a spare bedroom) to do with as she wishes -- store her "junk," display her paintings, etc. He refuses, fearing it will become so cluttered that it won't be usable for overnight guests.
They rented a storage locker for several months, but the wife missed her things and brought them back. Their arguments have brought them to the brink of divorce. Have you any words of advice? Mine seem to fall on deaf ears. -- ANONYMOUS IN NEW MEXICO
DEAR ANONYMOUS: When words of advice seem to fall on deaf ears, it may be because the complainer would rather vent than listen. Offer one more bit of advice: If they have a garage, panel it and display the paintings in there -- and possibly store some of the "junk" there, too -- in cabinets, of course. After that, stay out of it.