Q. After having a normal social life for the first 25 years of our marriage my husband is now almost afraid to be around people.

He doesn't want to go to parties or out to dinner - he hates to make small talk and gets really angry when "forced" to mingle.

What's up with that?!?!

A. One of the increasingly common issues in the counseling and psychological arena today is Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder. Based on the information you provided, this could be the problem.

Initially, you could ask your husband to consider seeing a therapist and simply "talk" about his feelings.

During the initial interview, other issues (anxiety, depression) could also be examined. In some cases, medications are recommended which many times provide highly positive results.