Annie’s Mailbox: His late nights strain relationship

Dear Annie: I have been seeing “Dennis” for some time, and now we are living together. Dennis tends to stay out extremely late two or three nights a week. I have told him that I find this disrespectful and inconsiderate.

There are also women who call him in the middle of the night. He claims he is not cheating, but this behavior has strained our relationship. He refuses to give up this part of his life. I don’t mind that he hangs out with his friends, but the odd hours bother me. He is not interested in counseling, and I am emotionally ill over him not taking our relationship seriously. What should I do? – Distraught in New Haven, Conn.

Dear Distraught: The combination of late hours and female callers makes us wonder what friends he’s hanging out with, but trusting him is your choice. What we will say, however, is that Dennis doesn’t seem to care how you feel. This is not a good basis for a lasting relationship, and we see no evidence that it will get better.

Dear Annie: Here’s some male input for “My Two Cents’ Worth,” who objected to a wife keeping her maiden name: Grow up and stop being so insecure.

Women today face requirements not thought of in feudal times. Recently, my ex-wife contacted me because even though she has had a driver’s license for more than 25 years, a new law required her to prove her name changes. She had to produce her birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree and the marriage certificate with her current husband.

My current wife decided to keep her maiden name because of her established career. I have no insecurities about it and even respond to Mr. HerLastName without any anxiety. Frankly, I think boys should take their father’s surname and girls should take their mother’s. – Not Sweating It