DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for eight years. He lost his mom 22 years ago. Ever since her cremation, he has kept her ashes in the living room. It scares me because I believe in ghosts.

I know it’s hard to let go of our dear ones. (I lost my own mom a few years ago, so I know the feeling.) How can I convince him to take the ashes out of the house or put them in the ground without hurting him emotionally? — SPOOKED IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR SPOOKED: Honey, if your late mother-in-law is coming back to haunt you, she will do it regardless of where her ashes are located. Yes, your husband is having trouble letting go of the remnants of his mother, but he’s hurting no one. She may “visit” you SOONER if you push her out from under your roof.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.