Dear Annie: “Susan” and I have been married for 20 years and have three children. The problem is, I made a huge mistake, and now my wife wants a divorce.

Last year, I took it upon myself to buy our kids Christmas presents online and opened up a few new charge accounts. When I filled out the credit applications, I used both my information and Susan’s, because my credit rating isn’t good enough. Of course, the bills came in Susan’s name. Fearing this would upset her, I’d get to the mail first and pay these bills on my own.

Of course, Susan eventually found out and is devastated. I felt guilty from the beginning but was afraid to say anything. Annie, I know it was wrong, but at the time I didn’t think it through. I’ve apologised to Susan over and over, and told her I am willing to go to counselling or whatever it takes to save my marriage.How can I save my marriage? <\m> Heartbroken in Hartford

Dear Hartford:<$> You made a very big miscalculation — and it wasn’t the money. It was betraying your wife’s trust. Losing trust in a spouse goes to the very core of a marriage. We don’t know if Susan will forgive you. But you have a 20-year marriage and three children in your favour, and we hope Susan will consider how a divorce will affect the kids. Ask her to go with you for counselling for their sake, and promise to take whatever lumps she throws in your direction.

Dear Annie: My wife and I are in our 50s. Three years ago, we moved 300 miles away in order for me to get my present job. The benefits here are nowhere near what they were with my old company. Only one local medical practice is a member of the network, and our assigned internist is a young woman of Asian heritage.

I’m sure the woman is a competent physician, but I have seen her for three routine physicals and she has not once asked me to undress. I’m not an exhibitionist, but my previous doctor (male) always had me stand naked next to the examining table to see everything in its proper position. My current doctor rarely sees bare skin. She pushes the stethoscope under the gown or listens on top of it. She does the rectal exam with me laying down, covered with a sheet.

I probably wouldn’t worry, except my dad and uncle both have prostate cancer, my cousin has survived testicular cancer, and my dad has had numerous precancerous skin lesions removed. Annie, is this doctor thorough enough? — The Naked Truth

Dear Naked Truth<$>: We spoke to Dr. Stuart Greenfield, a Chicago physician, who said medical students are now being taught to examine patients with greater regard for their modesty, which means they expose only small areas, one at a time.

They still can thoroughly examine each organ system, and do appropriate rectal and testicular exams. Dr. Greenfield suggested that you spend a couple of minutes during the visit to discuss your expectations with your physician, and also consider seeing a dermatologist for a whole body skin exam.

Dear Annie: You printed a letter from “Cut Off,” who complained about people who interrupt conversations. I have been so annoyed by this particular proclivity in some people that I invented a new word.

It is “converruption,” and I define it as the act of a third party engaging in conversation by interrupting a conversation already in progress. A person who does this is a converrupter. <\m> D.S.P. in Louisville, Kentucky.

Dear D.S.P.: <$>“Converrupter” sounds like a large rock-moving machine, but we think you are quite clever. Maybe the word will catch on.