DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law was a drug addict for most of my wife's life. Because of this, my wife refuses to use any addictive substances, including alcohol. I enjoy having a beer or three occasionally. I never get drunk, just pleasantly tipsy. This happens maybe once a month.
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Every time I drink, she gets very judgmental, as if I'm some sort of alcoholic. I have tried talking to her about it when I'm not drinking. She claims she doesn't care if I drink occasionally. Then as soon as I do, she rolls her eyes at me, sighs if I get a second one and asks me why I'm drinking. I'm puzzled about why she acts this way. Please help! -- JUST A DRINK IN THE EAST
DEAR JUST A DRINK: She acts this way because she is the child of an addict, and seeing someone imbibe one -- or three -- drinks at one time makes her remember how her parent behaved while under the influence, which makes her uncomfortable. And frankly, I can't blame her. There are support groups for adult children of addicts that can be extremely helpful. I hope your wife looks into them for her benefit and for the benefit of your marriage.