DEAR ABBY: When my husband, “Mac,” calls me on the phone, he expects me to look at the caller ID and immediately interrupt whatever conversation I’m having to take his call.

Unless I expect an important call (from a doctor or my children’s school), I do not look at the caller ID. I give my full attention to the person I’m speaking to. If I hear someone “beep,” I’ll attempt to quickly bring the conversation to a polite and natural end before calling back the person who tried to reach me.

Mac believes that anyone I’m talking to should understand that he takes priority. Today, he called seven times in two minutes to then berate me for not instantly taking his call about an unimportant matter.

Abby, in Mac’s defense, he’s a high-level executive with limited free time during the day. He is not otherwise demanding and usually calls me only once a day. I make every effort to quickly wrap up my phone calls and return his within minutes. Who is right? — ON A SHORT PHONE LEASH

DEAR ON A SHORT PHONE LEASH: As your husband is a high-level executive, his time may be tightly scheduled. Because he calls you only once a day, it’s not too much to ask that you take the call. I can understand that he finds it frustrating that you refuse. If I were you, I’d start taking these calls — unless you would prefer getting your messages from your husband via his personal assistant.

DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law, “Thelma,” came to live with us two years ago because at 82, she was no longer financially able to support herself. Because she likes to cook, she has done most of the meal preparation. It has been a big help since my husband and I work full time.

Over the last year, Thelma’s judgment has deteriorated and so have her cooking skills. She’ll often prepare meals by 2 p.m. that won’t be served until 6:00 or 7:00. The food sits on the stove or kitchen counter for hours. She also overcooks to the point of burning and meats are tough and difficult to eat. If she doesn’t have something on hand that goes into a recipe — or she can’t remember — she’ll “substitute.” Her choices generally do not work. Everything has become increasingly less appetizing, to put it mildly.

My mother-in-law is so kind, I don’t want to offend her. My husband refuses to discuss it with her because he doesn’t want to upset her. Please help. I’m worried about the length of time the food sits out after being prepared. Plus, I’d really like to have a good meal! — HUNGRY IN MISSOURI

DEAR HUNGRY: Food is the least of your problems. Your mother-in-law is showing signs of dementia. Does her doctor know about this change in her? If not, that should be the first thing on your agenda. If so, then you and your husband need to understand that what’s happening may be progressive. A point may come when, if a fire should start while she’s cooking, she would no longer remember what to do.

You and your husband should consult his mother’s physician and a geriatric specialist. You should also contact the Alzheimer’s Association. And at the end of the day, you should “all” prepare your evening meals together.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $6 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in the price.)

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