Dear Reverend, My wife and I have had a bumpy relationship for a couple of years. Within the past year, whenever she goes over to see her friend (who happens to be a therapist), she has a totally different attitude toward me when she comes home. She acts like this independent woman who doesn't need anything or anybody, and I get the cold shoulder. (The friend doesn't talk to me.) How do I address this change of attitude? The Left-Out (Useless) Husband Dear Left Out, It strikes me as odd that you used the phrase "independent woman" to describe the problem you're having with your wife. Independence isn't a bad quality, and it makes me wonder if you think your wife ought to rely on you more than she needs or wants to. But I understand that getting the cold shoulder from your spouse is never a good feeling. I don't think the fact that your wife's friend is a therapist has much to do with the issue at hand. When they hang out, the pal probably isn't wearing their therapist hat. However, friends do tend to dish about relationship problems, and that can involve some serious shit-talking about partners. I'd hazard a guess that's what's happening. When your wife comes home, she might feel like the wounds are fresh and see you as their cause. I suppose getting the silent treatment is better than getting yelled at, but it's certainly no way to solve anything. I don't know the cause of the bumps in your relationship road, but communication is often the best way to smooth things out. You need to have a conversation with your wife about how you're feeling and be completely honest. Schedule a time to do it when you're both feeling good. If anyone starts to place blame or get angry, take a time-out. Rinse and repeat as often as necessary. If the two of you can't find a way to discuss and work on your problems yourselves, find a marriage counselor or therapist who can help mediate. But keep the therapist friend out of it. Good luck and God bless, The Reverend…