Dear Annie: My soon-to-be ex started spreading lies about me in the spring of 2021, telling people I’ve had three nervous breakdowns and now I’m insane.

After a counselor told him his claims were unfounded, he stopped, but not after he convinced our daughter I was mentally ill. The rest of our children, and 11 out of 12 grandchildren, disagree with their Dad/Papaw.

Our daughter has always been a daddy’s girl, and sadly, continues to be. She even told me I was “mentally ill” on Mother’s Day in private. I asked her, “How am I mentally ill?” and she wouldn’t answer me.

How should I handle our relationship? I love her dearly, and she was our first born. It grieves me to know what he’s done to her. — Cheating Husband Spreading Lies

Dear Cheating Husband Spreading Lies: You can’t control the lies that come out of your ex-husband’s mouth.

Continue to show your love and support for your daughter; perhaps you can even offer to attend therapy together if you think it would help prove your sanity.

Eventually, she will put the puzzle pieces together.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].