Greetings. Thanks to all my readers for keeping the excellent questions coming in. Let's get right to this week's...

DEAR ASKaPUNK -
My husband dug his guitar out from under the bed, where it had been sleeping quietly for the past six years and he’s started playing it again every night. He’s considerate – I’m not complaining about the noise or anything, but I’m concerned why he’s suddenly decided to pick it up again. When I ask him he doesn’t have a solid answer and just says “I don’t know, I just want to play some guitar” He’s 35. He has a job he doesn’t seem to hate. We’re not fighting or anything so what is this about? - Mrs. Concerned

Dear Mrs. C -
This could be the shortest answer in Ask A Punk history.

Chances are very good that, just as he told you: He just feels like playing some guitar again. Very often humans (especially male humans) have simple & straightforward reasons for their behaviors, and this could be one of those times…but since short answers aren’t exactly the Ask A Punk way of doing business, ok… let’s peel this apart a little bit.

The bigger issue is this: Why you’re second guessing his answer? Does he have any reason to lie to you about it? Are you projecting your own problems/issues with the relationship onto him? By asking “Is he unhappy?” just because he’s bashing at some C-Chords, are you really saying that YOU’RE somehow unhappy or dissatisfied?

Are you jealous? Was he in a band with some hottie bass-player a million years ago and you’re afraid he’s thinking of her when he’s playing? …or are you angry? What ISN’T he doing when he’s playing guitar? Is he not helping with kids? Not taking out the trash? Not listening to you drone on and on about “your day?”

Basically I’m saying this: Before you start second-guessing his answer, second-guess your question and your reasons for asking it. How about this: Instead of automatically assuming the worst about your significant other, why not try assuming the best? Maybe he’s trying to write a love song for you. Maybe he’s decided to teach the kids a few chords and wants to brush up on his chops. Maybe he’s going to sell the guitar soon so he can buy you a present and he’s just saying good-bye to it. Ok, that last one if a bit far-fetched, but if you’re going to make up scenarios in your head, why not throw in some good ones?

So the bottom line is: Trust that his answer is the truth unless you have darn good reason to think otherwise. And if you can’t just leave him alone for a few minutes of power chords, why not offer to jam with him on bass?