Q: My husband’s comic book collection is taking over the basement and there’s no room for our toddler’s toys. How do I get him to understand that his childhood has come to an end?
Angela says…
My gut reaction is to let your toddler eat a peanut butter-and-jam sandwich in the basement.
But upon sober second thought, I wonder if it really is such problem after all. Isn’t it better if the comic books reside in the basement rather than your bedroom, dining room or living room?
And does his childhood really need to come to a complete end? If space is an issue, is there a compromise — maybe he can free up one shelf for the kid’s growing Olivia book collection?
Derek says…
I’m no psychologist, but I have seen enough episodes of Two and a Half Men to gently suggest that perhaps you resent your husband’s ability to balance his super-ego and id. That childlike quality that expresses itself in his love of comics is part of the reason you fell in love with him.
Asking him to part with them could rip out a piece of his soul and turn him into a dull, socially awkward individual capable of interacting only with electrical engineers.
But if you really need the space, have someone digitally archive the collection and then buy him an iPad to carry the comics wherever he goes.
