Posted by Alumni from The Atlantic
May 6, 2025
Editor's Note: Is anything ailing, torturing, or nagging at you' Are you beset by existential worries' Every Tuesday, James Parker tackles readers' questions. Tell him about your lifelong or in-the-moment problems at dearjames@theatlantic.com. I've been married to the best guy for almost 14 years. He is an awesome dad to our wild boys, makes exceptional burgers, and is weirdly fun to watch TV with. I still swoon at his perfect nose and strong arms. The only thing is, I can't seem to make myself pay attention when he talks at length. Brief exchanges are fine. But if he needs to speak in paragraphs rather than bullet points, I lose focus rapidly. He has never been a succinct person, but my new inability to maintain attention is causing problems. For instance, I know he has a work trip coming up, yet I have no idea where he's heading. I'm sure he told me, but I spaced out the last time he brought it up. You are not horrible, but my answer to all your other questions is 'yes.' You are,... learn more