She's sick of hearing about his good ol' days

DEAR ABBY: I'm married to the love of my life. I can't imagine loving a man more than I love "Wayne," and I know he feels the same about me. The problem is, he's always telling stories about things he has done, including past relationships, in graphic detail.

I have heard all of them repeatedly, and I'm sick of them. When I tell him this he says, "Fine! I won't talk to you anymore." Wayne never talks about our past, present or future. How can I get him to stop reliving "the good ol' days" and start focusing on our life together?

- Current Event in Kentucky

DEAR CURRENT EVENT: Wayne may react defensively when you say you're "sick" of his stories because he feels you are criticizing him. Perhaps if you told him that hearing him dwell on past relationships is hurtful, he might be willing to enlarge his repertoire.

If that doesn't help, it's possible your husband feels his best years are behind him. Past conquests and adventures can be more fun to dwell on than the new lawn mower, the plumbing that needs replacement, which friends are sick and the most recent one who died. Things might improve if you work together to create activities that will spice up your lives and give him some new material. Try it. It might benefit you both.

DEAR ABBY: If a spouse keeps photos of a college sweetheart after 50 years, what does it mean? Does it mean he is still carrying a torch for that person and doesn't want to forget her?

- Suspicious in Houston

DEAR SUSPICIOUS: I doubt it, but if you want to be sure, the person you should ask is your husband. After 50 years, the "torch" may be too heavy to carry - or completely out.