DEAR ABBY: I have been married for many years to a man who is a good husband and father in many respects. However, he is obsessed with professional sports, especially football. It is affecting our home and social life.

Over the years, “Louie” has punched holes in walls and broken the bones in his hands because he became so angry when his favorite team lost. He also has strong hatred toward rival teams. His arguments with people with opposing opinions have cost him friendships.

His behavior is so annoying and embarrassing the kids and I don’t want to be around him on Sundays during games. What’s worse is that some of Louie’s friends are amused by his tantrums and egg him on, making him even angrier. Fortunately, he never hits anyone.

I don’t want a divorce, but I don’t want to be around Louie, either. Louie’s “problem” makes him unpleasant to be around. When I visit friends and family without him, they wonder if we’re separated. If he could shrug off people’s comments and realize the outcome of a game shouldn’t affect him, we could be happier. What should I do? — BAD SPORT IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR BAD SPORT: It’s time you, your children and anyone else who cares at all about your husband stage an intervention and point out to Louie that there are more important things in life than his favorite football team. Chief among them is learning impulse control so he doesn’t do further harm to his body and his relationships. It’s one thing to feel passion for a sport, but he is creating a situation where he doesn’t enjoy it.

What you have described is not normal, or healthy. He has crossed the line and is risking harm to his family, his relationships and his reputation. This is beyond “kooky” — it’s a little bit sick, and the person who needs to step in is you.

DEAR ABBY: I went through a difficult depression during the time I was pregnant with my daughter. As a result, I seriously considered placing her for adoption and kept the pregnancy hidden from friends and co-workers. During my third trimester I took a leave of absence and cut off contact with my friends completely.

Now, two years later, I’m happy to report that I received therapy and treatment for my depression and anxiety. I am living a happy life with my baby girl.

The problem is, I told no one outside my family about my daughter or the situation, even though everyone noticed my abrupt change in behavior. How do I begin to share my story? Will people be able to forgive me for cutting them out of my life during a difficult time? — BEGINNING AGAIN WITH BABY IN TEXAS

DEAR BEGINNING AGAIN: Because of extreme cases in the news, most of us are familiar with the hormonal imbalance that causes postpartum depression. A condition called PRE- partum depression is not as well known, but is also well- documented. I’m pleased you were able to get treatment and resolve yours.

Share your story — and end your isolation — by telling your closest friends about your experience. If they are truly friends and care about you, they will embrace and accept you and your daughter and give you the support you need after your illness. And if they don’t — then you will have to accept they are not true friends and go on with your life.

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.

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $12 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in price.)

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