DEAR FRAZZLED: A wife and mother whose behavior and general cleanliness have worsened to the point that she leaves her chewed-off fingernails on the floor where her children play may be experiencing mental problems. Withdrawing as you have described isn’t normal behavior and could be a cry for help.

I have been holding out while politely begging for some of the cleanliness issues to resolve, but it’s had zero impact. I’m ready to lose my mind, and my hair is visibly thinning from the stress. It’s like having a third child.

A wife and mother whose behavior and general cleanliness have worsened to the point that she leaves her chewed-off fingernails on the floor where her children play may be experiencing mental problems.

I am married with two children, 6 and 4. I love them and my wife. When I met her, I knew she was a little messy. I am neat, tidy and generally Over time, her behavior (specifically, cleanliness and tidiness) has grown worse.