Neglect works both ways. It is very well to complain about not feeling unique, but it would help if I made an effort too, every now and then. That's the advantage men usually have over women: they are perfectly capable of compartmentalising and spreading their 'attention' equally. Mrs Wife may hardly notice her husband is having an affair if she gets her share.

I don't seem to be able to make the same effort, though. Nowadays I am accused of shutting myself off and escaping into a phanthom world, when there is so much I should and could be doing elsewhere in the house.

The problem with getting involved with Mr Lost is that his wife knows exactly where to find him, whilst I don't. Jealousy is a terrible disease, granted. It destroys without rebuilding. It can also be highly therapeutic, self-burning the pain. Emma steams on all cylinders. Unfortunately, not about Mr Husband. How much can I take before I have to let go? Perhaps I could start by reading the Daily Mail after dinner instead of sitting in front of my trusted computer every night.

It's a small step but it beats divorce.