DEAR ABBY: I never expected to be writing to you, but I am frustrated. My husband, who is a great guy, sniffles constantly. He gets very annoyed with me when I call it to his attention and says I should just get used to it.
He does it at home and in the car. He doesn't have a cold or a runny nose. I notice when we are out socially, he doesn't sniffle the entire time. I have tried to ignore it, but frankly it's the most irritating sound.
I read recently that there are three top irritating sounds, and sniffling is one of them. I showed the article to my husband, but he shrugged it off. I usually know how to handle situations, but I'm stumped with this one. Hope you don't think my letter is nothing to sniff at. -- MISERABLE IN MASS.
DEAR MISERABLE: If your husband hasn't discussed this with his doctor, he should. It's possible that he has a chronic sinus condition or allergies, and his problem could be easily corrected. It could also be a nervous habit. However, there is no chance that the sniffling will stop unless he's willing to seek treatment. I wish you luck in convincing him.