DEAR ABBY: My husband quit chewing tobacco, but now he chews gum constantly, three pieces at a time. If he's not asleep or eating, his jaw is moving. He chews it aggressively, rolls it around in his mouth while talking, so that it looks bad and is irritating.
He works with the public, and I'm embarrassed for him because I believe it's bad manners to chew gum in that manner. I don't know how to approach him. Please advise as to how I can help him. -- EMBARRASSED FOR HIM IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR EMBARRASSED: Your husband chews the way he does because he is trying to ease the pangs of withdrawal from his nicotine addiction. Because what he's doing is unsightly, suggest he discuss it with his doctor to see if there are other options such as a nicotine patch to help him over the hump. And be sure to tell him how proud you are of his determination to quit.