Dear Abby >> I’ve been married to “Chuck” for 40 years. We’ve had a fairly decent life together, even though Chuck drank heavily for 35 of those years. Now, as we enter our twilight years, he has experienced various medical problems, which have prompted him to stop drinking altogether. Although this is a good thing, I still would like to have a drink once in a while.

When I imbibe (no more than two or three), Chuck becomes irritable and starts fights. There is no violence, but he snaps, swears and then gives me the silent treatment. Please advise me about how to handle this. I’ve been trying to “sneak” my drinks behind his back, but why should I?

By the way, I have contributed more than my fair share financially and have taken on all domestic responsibility in this relationship, pretty much since Day One. Am I stuck with Chuck?

— Light Drinker in North Carolina

Dear Light drinker >> Have you not read anything the former surgeon general posted on the internet about alcohol consumption? More than ONE drink a day for women may increase the likelihood of cancer of the breast, esophagus, stomach, pancreas and colon. You may want to consider curtailing YOUR alcohol intake.

The fact that seeing you imbibe has such a negative effect on your husband may be an indication that his own sobriety is shaky. If you really feel the need to have an alcoholic beverage (or two or three), consider doing it away from the house with women friends.

Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.