Dear Annie: <$>I never would have thought about writing to an advice column, but yours has caught my eye. I notice people ask truly heart-wrenching questions and get intelligent responses, so please help me. I cannot go to someone close to home without ruining my husband’s reputation.I have discovered that my husband has lied about his past. In fact, since I found out, I’ve noticed he does it quite a lot. He has lied about his military service. He has lied about his life before I knew him. Now I see that he lies about stupid little things, like putting his car in the paper to sell, or whether he kissed me when he came to bed, or things that are so insignificant they are meaningless. I have not confronted him, because I don’t know how. I don’t want him to feel as if I don’t love him, because I do, and he will take any mention as a personal attack.

I don’t understand how someone who is such a good dad and husband can be such a liar. How can he demand honesty from the people around him? How will I know when he is telling the truth about important things? My heart is broken. — Only Want The TruthDear Want The Truth:<$> Chronic and compulsive lying is often a sign of antisocial personality disorder. This can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. Don’t confront your husband, triggering his defences. Instead, discuss it lovingly. Hold his hand when you say you’ve noticed he has trouble with the unvarnished truth. Explain that his lying hurts the entire family. His doctor can refer him to a therapist (he doesn’t have to tell the doctor why), or he can find one through local hospitals. Therapy sessions are strictly confidential. Ask him to do this for the sake of his children, and let’s hope he finds the courage to go.

Dear Annie: One of my co-workers drives me up the wall. “Gina” sits beside me and copies everything I do or say. She imitates my mannerisms, my giggle, my dress, my accessories and my verbal expressions. This has become so annoying, it is causing me to withdraw and say as little as possible when she is in the room, which is most of the day. Several weeks ago, I was hospitalised with chest pains (my doctor said it was work-related stress). How can I handle this? — Royally Annoyed<$>

Dear Royally: <$>They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s also a major source of irritation. We feel sorry for Gina. She is so bereft of original thoughts that she must copy yours. First, ask your supervisor if your desk can be moved. If that doesn’t work, consider helping Gina find her own voice. Take her shopping at lunch so you can teach her how to pick out clothes and jewellery that flatter her. Also encourage her to make friends with others in the office so she is less fixated on you. These things require some effort on your part, but the payoff could be a stress-free work environment and possibly a new friend.<$>

Dear Annie:<$> This is in regard to the letters about euphemisms for passing gas, “the other F-word.” I prefer “heiney whistles,” while my Italian husband’s family likes “pootzes.” Hope you’re having fun with these. — Karen in Massachusetts

Dear Karen: Well, yes and no. But the readers seem to enjoy them. Here are a couple more:

From Maine: A while ago my husband and I created a humorous description for the body’s normal passing of gas. We call it “Uranus Eruptus,” which continues to crack us up every time.

Sarasota, Florida:<$> Our family has its own unique word for flatulence. We call them “prubs,” which is “burp” spelled backward.