DEAR ABBY: I'm a middle-aged married man and the father of two. Although I work as a banker, I'm also an aspiring pianist. I have practiced two to three hours a day for many years. My music is unique -- unlike anything ever heard. My wife of 18 years does not appreciate my music. She never comments on it, never pays a compliment and never supports me about it.
I do receive praise from my transcriber, my recording editor, my audio engineer, strangers, friends, my parents and my 8-year-old daughter. I'm tempted to call our marriage quits, but divorce, as we all know, is messy, and she's a good mother and homemaker.
Something else that makes me want to leave is that I'm good with the ladies and, in the past, I've had more than my share of female companionship. The combination of a wife who doesn't appreciate my art and the temptation of once again being the stud I was (after a minor makeover and some weight loss) and resuming those wonderful adventures, is enough incentive for me to end my marriage.
Once my music starts hitting streaming platforms, I expect great things. But since my wife is indifferent to my artistic pursuit, I'm conflicted about whether I should remain married to her or risk a lot by getting a divorce. Please help me make the right decision. -- MUSIC MAKER IN THE EAST
DEAR MUSIC MAKER: It's time for some self-reflection. Are you simply unhappy in your marriage and using your music and past track record with the ladies as an excuse to leave? My suggestion is that you postpone dynamiting your marriage until after you have a few musical hits under your belt. If you are as gifted as you proclaim, your circumstances may change for the better. But if they don't, you might be better off sticking to your day job and keeping music as a beloved hobby.
As to kicking over the traces and becoming a "stud" again (after the minor makeover and some weight loss), perhaps you should be careful what you wish for. There are worse flaws in a spouse than lack of music appreciation. In this environment, there's no telling who (or what) you could pick up, which is why I'm advising you to stand pat.