Dear Annie: My husband is Islamic, from Africa. I converted in order to marry him and raise our children in his faith. I am not very religious, but he has been understanding about my attitude, and we’ve been happily married for 16 years.

Since Sept. 11 of last year, we have not been able to watch the news together without arguing. After the attacks on our country, I uttered a few unkind things about Islam. I know my comments hurt my husband deeply, and I truly did not mean half of what I said. However, he became angry and said some terrible things to me about America, so I guess we’re even.

We have had small disagreements in the past, but never like this. It has been going on for almost a year. With the anniversary of the tragedy coming up, I know it will make our household rather tense. For the past month, I have kept my emotions and opinions hidden from my husband and pretend to agree with everything he says. It makes him happy, but it doesn’t do much for me. I feel like a hypocrite. I don’t want to lose my marriage over this. Is there another way? No Divorce in Michigan

Dear Michigan: A lot of couples cannot talk politics without fighting. If the marriage is otherwise solid, it might be a good idea to avoid the topic. You do not have to agree with your husband to keep the peace. Simply refuse to argue. Let him talk as much as he likes. Just smile sweetly. If he presses you, reply, “Darling, you know we don’t agree, but I don’t wish to fight. This is America. We are each entitled to an opinion, and I respect yours.”

Dear Annie: I am in the process of getting a divorce from my husband. When I moved out of my house, my friend “Ralph” said I could move in with him and his 12-year-old son. I have been at his home for four weeks.

I clean the house and do all the cooking and some of the yard work. I also pay half the bills. I am fond of Ralph and hope some day we can have a more intimate relationship, but I am willing to wait. In the meantime, his son resents me a lot. The boy has made it clear that I have worn out my welcome and ought to leave.

I am trying not to step on any toes, but it is not comfortable for me here. Ralph wants me to stay he says he needs me but I’m not sure it’s worth it. What do you say? Time to Go in Illinois

Dear Illinois: If you can afford to move out, do it. Your continued presence in Ralph’s home is causing problems and could destroy any chance you have for a future relationship. If Ralph wants to see you socially, he can do it without having you be his chief cook and bottle washer.

Dear Annie: I am having a problem with one of the employees in my office, and I’m not sure how to handle it.

I am in charge of training. “Linda” is an excellent worker, and I am pleased with her performance. However, when I explain something to her, she likes to finish my sentences. Sometimes, I can tell she isn’t paying the slightest attention to my instructions because she is too busy trying to figure out what I’m going to say next.

This is irritating, to say the least. How can I politely tell her to shut up and listen? Annoyed in Nebraska

Dear Annoyed: Most people who rudely finish sentences can’t help themselves, especially if the speaker is talking very slowly or repeats herself. Nonetheless, you are training her, which puts you in charge. Say nicely, “I would appreciate it if you would wait until I am finished. Please don’t interrupt me.”