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Article posted Wednesday, February 13, 2013 11:04am

Dear Mary Pat,

I’m surrounded. When my wife and I married twenty years ago, I found her collection of angel figurines bearable, even cute. But as we grow older and she keeps collecting and receiving, I’m feeling overwhelmed and watched with all the angel-themed knick knacks that have taken over our living room, dining room, bathroom, and bedroom.

Just the other day she asked me to install yet another set of shelves to display the winged beings and I’ve gotta tell her enough is enough. How can I reclaim some wall and shelf space without hurting her feelings?

Signed,

Outnumbered

Algoma, WI

Dear Outnumbered,

Your wife obviously enjoys her angel collection, however, this situation does sound like it is slipping into another category altogether. Your wife’s collection has taken over the house. This seems excessive. I think a direct conversation is needed here and you should be completely honest with her.

Most couples’ houses aren’t necessarily split 50/50 decor-wise, but the angel collection is too one-sided. If you aren’t comfortable in your own home and nothing in the house reflects your style and hobbies, that’s a problem. You might want to look at the financial side of this collection too. I would imagine that this collection has a substantial price tag as well. Has this hurt the budget? Do you have $1.28 in your savings account and $25,000 worth of angels, shelving and curio cabinets?

If the conversation doesn’t go well or if the collection grows more into a compulsion, you may want to seek some professional help.

Good luck,

Mary Pat