Dear Ann Landers: You printed a letter from “Unable to Cope in Indiana,” who was the mother of two and married for seven years. She wrote that her husband was a great guy and a wonderful father when he was not having one of his temper tantrums, which sometimes lasted for days. She needs a reality check.
Ann, tell that woman to run for her life. She will spend a lot of good years trying to please him and figuring out how not to set him off. She will walk on eggshells, make excuses for him, and try to protect her kids when he gets angry “for no reason.” One day, he will become really angry, and either she or one of the kids will be seriously injured or killed. She should get out now while she is strong enough to do it.
Pelican Rapids, Minn.
Dear Pelican Rapids: Many readers expressed the same sentiments. Some said, “My husband got crazy after a few drinks.” Others attributed the anger to cocaine. There is no question that drugs and alcohol influence behavior. The woman who wrote, however, said her husband had developed this problem fairly recently, and that his rages lasted for days. It sounded like a neurological problem, and I stand by my advice. The man should see a doctor. It could be a brain disorder.
Dear Ann Landers: I would like to respond to the woman in Pittsburgh who misses the companionship of marriage, and wants to find a “nice man” now that her husband has been dead for several years. Here is a list of things not to do.
Do not wear your wedding ring when you go out in public. It will scare the good ones off, and the bums will hit on you, anyway.
Do not tell your date you have had enough sex and that you are not interested in more. It’s a turn-off, and you could change your mind later.
Do not continue to support your 35-year-old son who lives with you. You are “enabling” him. Kick him out.
Do not tell your date that your dead husband was a saint. It’s amazing how death improves people.
Do not expect him to pay for everything. These are the ’90s, and you are not 21 anymore.
Do not sit at home and gain 50 pounds. Get out, and go to places where intelligent people gather. There are some good men out there who are lonely. Make the effort, and you will find them.
Experienced in Florida
Dear Florida: Thanks for that sensible advice. I hope they listen.
Dear Ann Landers: Here’s another one for your “stupid crooks” file. I roared. This appeared in the Newark News a few months ago.
C.B., Garwood, N.J.
Dear C.B.: Thanks for sending it on. Here’s the short version, but it’s still pretty funny:
A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. The man called police for assistance after he locked his own car keys in the stolen truck.
Dear Ann Landers: Thank you for all the columns you have written urging your readers to quit smoking. It took a heart attack for my husband and me to finally give up the filthy habit. While we were smokers, we had no idea how offensive the smoke smelled, nor did we realize that our house stank.
We want to apologize to all our friends and family members who were forced to endure the stinking environment while we thought we were being gracious hosts. Please print this letter for the benefit of others who are as insensitive as we were. P.S.: Does anyone smoke in your home, Ann?
Smarter Now in California
Dear Smarter: Absolutely not. They wouldn’t dare.
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To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
