Dear Abby is offering guidance to a reader who fears she may be heading towards an affair with her best friend's husband.
The reader, who has known the couple for over 40 years and was friends with the husband first, states that she has realized she likes the wife more than the husband. She also noted that the wife had previously mentioned liking the reader before marrying her husband. The reader expressed concern that the husband has "character issues" and has cheated in the past, leading her to believe an affair is likely if the friendship continues. The reader plans to move to a warmer climate and wants to create closure.
Dear Abby advised the reader that her proposed method of explaining her fondness for the wife over the husband would serve no constructive purpose. Abby suggested that the reader should not try to teach the husband a lesson about his character and that his infidelity is not her business. Instead, Dear Abby recommended bidding the couple a fond farewell, thanking them for shared memories, and to "not maintain contact with the wife after you move." Abby concluded that an affair cannot "sneak up" on someone if they leave the door open.
The column also addressed a separate query from a grandmother wanting to move to Texas to be closer to her grandchildren. Her mother, who lives in California, is reluctant to travel to meet her great-grandchildren. Dear Abby affirmed that the reader is not a bad person for wanting to spend time with her grandchildren but advised not to force the mother to travel if she is elderly and reluctant. Abby suggested visiting her mother frequently and sharing photos and videos.