Dear Abby: 20-year-old contemplates moving out of state to be with 46-year-old married man
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 20-year-old female in a “situationship” with a 46-year-old married man. He tells me he’s going to leave his wife when his daughter graduates, which is in two months. He wants to move me to his state, but my family isn’t supportive, so I would like an outside opinion. — CONTEMPLATING IN FLORIDA
DEAR CONTEMPLATING: How long have you and this 46-year-old man been romantically involved? I have concerns on several levels about what you are contemplating. First is the age difference and the balance of power in your relationship. Next is the fact that he hasn’t yet left his family or even filed for divorce. Many men promise to leave their wives but never do. Divorces can drag out for years if they are contested, and his marriage has been a long one.
Slow this relationship down. I urge you not to move until he’s free to marry, you have a job and are able to support yourself and any children that could result from this union. Let your family get to know him. They have your best interests at heart, so resist the urge to tune them out in the name of love.
DEAR ABBY: Twice while visiting, my son and daughter-in-law have had arguments in front of me and their young children. The last one got so heated my DIL even left the room and went outside.
It upset me and their oldest child greatly. My son’s father and I argued often, and we divorced long ago. They seem to think it’s OK to do this. What can I do? — STANDING BY IN TEXAS
DEAR STANDING BY: I hope you realize that what your son is doing is modeling the behavior he grew up with. Talk to your son. Explain how this is affecting his children. Then suggest he and his wife seek marriage counseling so his marriage won’t end in divorce court, as yours did.
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.