My husband of 25 years is a good man; however, I’ve become extremely intolerant of his habits, to the point where I'm not fun to live with. I don't want him to touch me sexually either. I have my own annoying habits but he never ever says anything. I can't contain myself as he does.      
      His habits: Excessive burping, biting nails and eating with his mouth open. The one that gets me the most is his hacking and spitting into the toilet when he pees.     
      He didn't do these things when we married; it's only been the last couple of years. I'm afraid one day I'm going to scream at him or even hit him. Ellie, what does all this mean?  
      - Grossed Out

It can mean many things. 1) Too much time watching the other guy. Stay out of the bathroom when he pees, ask him to close the door and get busy doing something else; 2) You’re both becoming annoying from focusing on small stuff. You need healthy, engaging distractions – getting out more, taking a course, starting a new interest, e.g. an art class; 3) You need to re-charge your “couple” batteries. Start a fitness regime together (walking, skating, a dance class), have a weekly date at the movies or explore local theatre groups and comedy clubs.
      There’s life beyond his burping and your harping.

I had my period recently and it kind of was way too much than I could handle. But some guys at my school spread rumors saying that it was on my face and all over my chair. What should I do to get them to get over it or to make it better?
      - Embarrassed

Ignore these dumb guys, since anything you say will only give them something more to tease you about. Very soon, some other person or event will be their next topic of rude comments.    
      Meanwhile, talk to your Mom and ask to see your family doctor, or go to a walk-in clinic for a medical check. You need to find out if this was only an occasional heavy period – if so, how to handle it – or whether there was a reason for it, which a doctor can help prevent in future.

As a youth, my parents divorced, and I regularly went camping every year with my uncle’s family; I visited them at their cottage until I was 30. My uncle and I had lengthy phone talks every few months.     
      But, he’s “snubbed” me in several ways. Two years ago, he called a week before Christmas and said I couldn’t come for dinner this time, one cousin’s wife was suffering with depression and they were “keeping it small.” I’ve never received a Christmas invitation since.     
      After my break-up with my girlfriend, when he knew I was depressed, he didn’t call for six months. I mentioned my concerns, but he felt no guilt.    
      Months ago, I gave he and his wife souvenir gifts from a place he’d always wanted to see. I’ve hardly heard from him aside from a card last Easter. I can’t keep on being friendly.
      - Extremely Hurt

You’ve raised your “concerns,” now ask yourself if you’ve offended Uncle in any way. If No, he may’ve narrowed his attention down to his immediate family. As people age, it isn’t uncommon that they feel they can’t maintain all their relationships with the same intensity.    
      He was good to you when you needed him. Show your gratitude by staying in touch, without having the same expectations.

FEEDBACK Since many questions I receive are about marital separations, here’s one reader’s comments:    
      Reader – “Many marriage breakups go through one of two sequences:
     “1) The couple decides to separate amicably, they each go to lawyers, things become bitter; everything slows down and they end up with a settlement with which neither is happy. Often, one party will be slow on payments or difficult regarding child access, etc.    
“OR, 2) The couple decides to separate amicably, see a separation counsellor, develop an agreement with which they’re both okay, have it converted to legalese by a lawyer and both adhere to it.
    “Unfortunately, people are conditioned to go the first route. Many are not aware of the latter method.”

I commend any process that helps couples go their separate ways without bitterness and hostility, especially where children are involved.
However, it’s also important that both parties know their legal rights in their jurisdiction.