The Doctor Is Out!

Dear Blabby and Crabby:

My wife and I are both retired and in good health. It seems every time we go out to play cards with our friends in the bridge club, the conversation always centers on who’s had what illness or operation. My wife and I are competitive bridge players, and this medical rehash destroys our concentration. While we are always interested in the health of our friends, night after night of endless discussion of gall bladders, hemorrhoids, bowel obstructions, and heart problems is wearing a little thin on me. My wife says I’m becoming intolerant and lack empathy. Am I being unreasonable to expect more out of our social evenings? Signed: The Doctor Is Out

Blabby: I can relate to Doc’s problem. My wife and I played dominos with friends the other night, but all we talked about was our medical issues. I know it’s characteristic of older people to do this, but what can be done about it?