The Dear Abby test

A few months ago, the book Manning Up by Kay Hymowitz made the discussion circles of the Internet. The book bemoaned the perpetual adolescence of adult men who watch Adam Sandler movies and play video games. I find myself asking, who cares? My honest and sincere hope for anyone, man or woman, is that you do something you enjoy in your free time.

The second consideration is for relationships for men are happy staying in this state. A single man or woman can get an education, start a career, buy a house, and save for retirement. One thing they can't do unilaterally is marry.

A relationship requires compromise. I would expect a guy who likes video games to play a lot less once married, and even more so once a father. But I don't think it's fair to think one should stop playing games (or sports, or whatever avocation you enjoy) entirely. And the same goes for a gal's shopping trips and girls' nights out.

I came up with what I call the "Dear Abby Test" to determine what level of restriction might be fair. Imagine what you demand of your husband were described in a letter to the famed advice columnist, but written from the perspective of demands on a woman from her husband or boyfriend. If you think Dear Abby would respond "Your husband is abusive and controlling. Get out.", that's a sign that you may have gone beyond the normal compromise appropriate to a relationship.

Weiner's Wienergate

It's a story that, were it the plot of a television series, you'd think it too silly. A sitting congressman takes a picture of his tented underwear, and tries to send it to a young woman across the country via Twitter. Only, he types the wrong thing, and everyone following him gets it. And then, he makes a whole bunch of unconvincing denials. He claims to have been hacked (but without losing control of his accounts). The requisite shot of him out with his recent wife, looking happy, naturally follows as well.

This congressman holds reprehensible views and should be kicked out of office for that reason. Still, as a kindhearted person, I'll offer some free advice on making a more reasonable denial.

"That is not a picture of me." Simple, direct.

His wife: "Other than my husband, I know better than anyone what type of underwear he wears. And that is not it."

But saying you're not sure? Do you regularly take pictures of yourself in your underwear? Do you have a collection of crotch shots like that?

Now, the best theory comes from the millionaire playboy of the Actuarial Outpost:

Weiner is gay. This is a cover for all that.

Weiner is married to some hot Persian (?) chick who was Hillary Clinton's constant companion in the past. Anyone think Hillary is straight? Didn't think so.

The marriage is a scam, and this instance of hyper-heterosexuality is more cover. This guy has h-o-m-o written all over him.

Well, that would explain why he follows porn stars as well.