DEAR ABBY: I’m a gay man who has been in a relationship with “Jake” for 42 years. We have had many difficult relationship challenges, but we have always stayed together and recently got married.

Our current issue is the thermostat. Jake is cold when the temperature in the summer is set lower than 75 degrees. I suggest he use more covers or clothes to stay warm since I cannot do anything more than throw off all the covers and lie there sweating.

He insists I’m being unreasonable for wanting to have a cooler bedroom. I know sleep experts recommend sleeping temperatures in the 60-degree range. I can deal with warmer temps than that, but 75 is hot! How can I communicate that he can cover up to be comfortable, while I cannot uncover any more? — HOT IN SOUTH CAROLINA

DEAR HOT: You have already communicated rationally with your husband. Offer him the option of using a heating pad or a dual-control electric blanket to keep himself warm at night.

The other option would be to sleep in separate bedrooms. You need your sleep, and so does he. When people are sleep-deprived, they are not their best selves, no matter what the temperature is.

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.