DEAR ABBY: My husband, "Fred," has never been much of a conversationalist, and since he stopped smoking five months ago, his weight has ballooned. We're both elderly and live on a lake, so we're quite isolated, especially during the long winters.
Although Fred sees his doctor regularly, he's stubborn and I doubt that he has told his doctor everything, including the possibility that he's experiencing depression. He sits by the hour and pouts.
This morning, when I tried to carry on a conversation, he refused to look at me. Finally, I said, "Do you want me to stop talking to you?" to which he replied, "Do whatever you want."
Fred has never been easy to get along with, but his pouting is driving me crazy. I go out for lunch with friends occasionally, but because Fred doesn't want visitors here, that's my only respite. Any suggestions? I'm ... READY TO BAIL IN MINNESOTA
DEAR READY TO BAIL: If there is anything unusual about Fred's behavior, it should be reported to his doctor because it could be a sign of dementia or other illness. However, if it is just "more of the same" from this charmer you married, perhaps you should ask yourself seriously whether you're better off with him or without him, and if this is how you want to live the rest of your life.