DEAR ABBY: When I was growing up in the late '60s and '70s, I heard very little profanity used. Today it seems like it is accepted. My husband often uses it, even though he knows I hate it.
When he's mad at me, the filth is directed my way. That may be why profanity upsets me so much. Sometimes it makes me literally sick to my stomach.
Also, the most recent book by my favorite author includes many instances of the "F-word," which she has never done before. I'm tempted to write her and say that I read her for pleasure and am put off by the language. Should I? -- NON-CUSSER IN NEBRASKA
DEAR NON-CUSSER: When filth is directed at someone, it qualifies as verbal abuse, a weapon used to show contempt and destroy another person's sense of self-worth. Of course, what it shows is that the swearer, besides being a bully, isn't smart enough to come up with vocabulary that adequately describes his (or her) feelings powerfully enough to have them appreciated.
Because the verbal abuse your husband hurls at you is so hurtful it literally sickens you, it's time for you to take a closer look at why you continue to tolerate it. And as to your favorite author, by all means write and tell her that as a loyal reader you thought her last book was a real turn-off and why.