Dear Maggie,

I wrote you in search of advice a while back and your words of wisdom have had a profound effect on my situation. I’m functioning far better in all aspects of my life and am much happier. Thank you. But as life progresses, I am well aware that we’re faced with ever changing, never ending challenges. It keeps us going but is harrowing at times.

Earlier this week, I came to terms with the fact that something is nagging at me. As I was driving between jobs constant thoughts of my wife raced through my head. Usually, I think about her and miss her while on the job. But this was different. I was feeling preoccupied and troubled.

Although we seek a significant other in our lives for emotional support, it’s invariably physical attraction which ignites the flame. That’s a fact of life. And The Man from Greene is no exception to this rule. Time to cut to the chase. Here’s the dilemma: Although I greatly value many of my wife’s attributes both inside and out, the aesthetic beauty of her hands attracted me first and foremost. Strange, but true. However, recently I have complaints relating to this very important issue. Her busy schedule and our hectic life have apparently taken their toll. The dry, rough skin on her hands has been completely turning me off. Even worse, she’s constantly breaking the really long nails that she used to have and waiting for them to grow feels worse than watching a pot boil. Holding hands is just less pleasurable these days. Furthermore, her back scratching ability has been seriously impaired.

Should I try to take over additional household tasks? I am already more than helpful around the house. I’ve told her of my concerns, perhaps better described as complaints, but she basically tells me it’s just part of life and to deal with it. She blames dish detergent, the kids, just using her hands a lot in daily life….the list goes on.

Am I being unreasonable? What’s a man to do? Please help!

The Man from Greene

Dear Man from Greene,

I love a man who’s as honest as you are about things. That’s really admirable, and I do have some suggetions.

First, get the woman a dishwasher, if she doesn’t have one already. That’ll keep her hands out of detergent. You can also start looking for dishwashing liquids that are noted for being gentle on hands. Have her use cooler water—it doesn’t have to be scalding hot. Watch our for any products that use alcohol as a base. And it would’t hurt to take turns doing dishes either.