The Rock Island Argus And Daily Union

Dear Mrs. Thompson: I am a married woman past 32 years old and have been married 13 months, I can truthfully say I have not been happy since I have been married.

I can't say that I don't care for my husband, for I do, but his disposition toward me nearly kills me. He never tries to make over me any more than as if I were a stranger.

Whenever I say anything to him about it he says he is tired or it is foolishness. He says if I don't like the way he does to go back home.

He thinks because he works hard and makes a good living that it is all that is necessary. He does not realize that a little love with the living would improve conditions.

I try so hard to do everything in my power that would please him and he never says a word. If I walk up to him and put my arms around him he either says he is busy or in a hurry.

I am here away from home and all my people and I will tell you it gets awful sometimes, for it is just the same as living alone in a strange city. I have quite a few new friends, but I can't feel right because I haven't anything to encourage me. We haven't any children and my husband doesn't want any. He doesn't like them and does not want even my nephews here for a visit.

We have a car and it is all right to go out with a crowd, but if we go out alone he seldom talks to me unless to answer me. I am almost a nervous wreck. I try to fight off this feeling. I dance and go out for a walk or to the show with friends or to some neighbor's home, but when my husband comes home and treats me as he does it is as bad as ever. I don't want to leave him, I just want to know if a man really loves a woman when he treats her in such a way as to make her feel like just a living expense. I can make my own living and not be grieved all the time. FLOSSIE.

Some men (it is true they are not common) are born without any affection in their natures. Unfortunately your husband seems to be one of this variety. He is supremely selfish or he would want to please you in little ways when it would be so easy.

Since you do not want to leave him, you will have to adjust yourself to the situation. You need not feel that you are making your home with him merely for a living. You love him and you are staying for that reason.

Frankly I believe you would be happier if you gave him a chance to try life without you. A visit home for a month or six weeks would help him to realize you have become necessary to his happiness. The experiment would be worth while if it can be arranged.

I wish that I could tell you something that would be a real comfort. It is asking too much, however, for me to prescribe a method by which you can change the character of selfish man, lacking in affection. I believe your husband loves you as much as he can love anyone aside from himself.

Your interest in dress and friends will be your salvation. I think, too, you would be happier if you found a way to be of real service to people who need your help. Red Cross and social work furnish this opportunity. It is well to be reminded occasionally that others have even more to make them sad than you have.

"Leona": Since your parents do not object to your going with the young man, it will be all right to do so. Always remember that a girl cannot be too cautious in regard to her friends in regard to.