I'm always intrigued by letters from people who've been married only a short time (six months, a year, two years, whatever) and are only now noticing some really odd or annoying thing about their partner. I always ask the same questions, "Didn't any of this come up while you were dating? If not, why not? If so, were you willfully blind at the time, assuming everything would magically get better once you were married?"

Before you tell Patti that she's out of line, poll the people you take a break with and see if they feel the same way and want to object. Then, when someone brings it up, they can chime in and say, yea, please don't go on about that. Otherwise, either leave it or take a break somewhere else. Bring a book to work or read your Bible at your desk.

Referring to "Skunk Award" letter writer, I know it's an old-fashioned phrase, but often "courting manners" is what is shown before the wedding. Afterward, the nice veneer is dropped in some marriages. For that reason, I'm a fan of long engagements to let the warts begin to show.

Referring to "Skunk Award" letter writer, I know it's an old-fashioned phrase, but often "courting manners" is what is shown before the wedding. Afterward, the nice veneer is dropped in some marriages. For that reason, I'm a fan of long engagements to let the warts begin to show.

Re: Bonnie. Yep.