DEAR FRAZZLED: A wife and mother whose behavior and general cleanliness have worsened to the point that she leaves her chewed-off fingernails on the floor where her children play may be experiencing mental problems. Withdrawing as you have described isn’t normal behavior and could be a cry for help.

A wife and mother whose behavior and general cleanliness have worsened to the point that she leaves her chewed-off fingernails on the floor where her children play may be experiencing mental problems.

My wife always has been a bit messy, but over time her behavior has gotten much worse. The stress of her behavior, and her refusal to help clean, is causing me to lose my hair. What can I do?

I am married with two children, 6 and 4. I love them and my wife. When I met her, I knew she was a little messy. I am neat, tidy and generally Over time, her behavior (specifically, cleanliness and tidiness) has grown worse.