Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Dear Aunty Pam,

 

Another Lent and another time for my wife to go crazy. She’s a churchgoer, and I go now and then, mostly around the holidays. Every Lent she lays down the law and gives up Facebook, wine, and any show on TV that isn’t like a Hallmark movie. 

 

What’s worse is that she doesn’t want me to have my beers or watch anything on Netflix that she doesn’t think is right. I told her she’s the one who gave stuff up, not me, but she says she doesn’t want anything sinful in the house for 40 days.

 

Any advice before I move into a hotel?

 

Thanks,

Larry B

 

Dear Larry,

 

You’re right: Indeed it is your wife who “gave stuff up” and not you, so you should have the right, in your own home, to imbibe in your heathen beers and binge the Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

 

All joking aside, do remember that Lent is quite serious for devout Christians. It is meant to be a time of repentance and reflection as well as a time to put aside anything that might separate us from a deeper relationship with God. It is also a time to prepare for Easter and the resurrection of Christ. Sure you still want that Budweiser, Beelzebub Boy?

 

Some people give things up (booze, social media, etc), and some people take things up (charity work, being less grumpy before one’s morning coffee). To be honest, I’m not really sure how to help you and your wife, Lar, but I’m pretty sure it has something to do with finding a way to respect each other’s beliefs. 

 

You might, for example, agree to only have your beer when she’s not at home. Preferably, not while she’s at church. Nobody wants to come home after an inspiring sermon while humming the last verse of Blessed Assurance, only to find their husband reeking like Otis from The Andy Griffith Show.

 

In the meantime, try to remain patient and kind. And remember, Lent doesn’t last forever. Sometimes it just feels that way. Sorta like your marriage.

 

Cheers, dear!!

Aunty Pam