DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband is cheating on me. Whenever I ask him to go somewhere, he declines and spends time with "her." He leaves me in the bed alone in the middle of the night to be entertained. I know everyone is thinking just leave him, but "she" lives in my house. Her dimensions are 49 inches by 29.7 inches by 3.9 inches; she's hanging on the wall in the living room, with an attached Xbox 360. It's as if she calls my husband's name after work, in the middle of the night and on weekends. When we are supposed to be spending quality time with each other, she has taken it from me. The flat-screen TV and that damn video-game console were the worst gifts I've ever given. He's addicted, and I refuse to continue to be deprived of affection. How can I put an end to this awful habit? Does he need "real" help? -- Amber, Brooklyn, New York
DEAR AMBER: Electronics have long been a lure for people, and these products frequently do "steal" precious time from personal interaction with loved ones for those who are lured into a relationship with them. Believe it or not, I think the best way for you to get your husband's attention is to find a video game that might interest you, too. If you can figure out how to participate in his play, you may eventually be able to convince him to steal away and spend time doing something else with you.
Putting your foot down hasn't worked thus far, and it's doubtful that it will now. I'm sure you've heard the notion that you can catch more bees with honey. Pour on the honey, and see if you can draw him back to you. No need for therapy, by the way.
(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)