DEAR:
[I]I’ve been divorced from my husband of 18 years for two years, separated for three.
I have encouraged my ex to get out and meet new people. (He stayed home and alone for about two years.)
It must have been a New Year’s resolution of his because I no longer receive random texts to ask how I’m doing or to make casual conversation.
When I asked him who she was, he replied, Nobody. Of course, I know him well, and I knew he wasn’t being truthful.
He’s 50; she’s 25. I’m grossed out, mostly because our older daughter is 27.
The younger one is 22. I know I should be happy for him, but I’m not.
We still celebrate holidays as a big, old, happy family, which I don’t mind.
We have grandchildren, and I want the holidays to be special.
But I have no desire to celebrate them with someone who is barely older than my younger daughter.
I know it likely won’t go anywhere, but what the heck?
I’m in a happy relationship. Granted, I’m enjoying life and not planning my future or anything like that.
My mind says one thing; my heart says another. Do I need therapy? Are these normal feelings? [/I]
– THROWN
DEAR:
[I]For a long time, I have been in love with a man who is 15 years younger than I am.
We had a relationship for about a year, which ended six years ago.
Since then, we have remained friends and occasionally hooked up a few times.
The short relationship we had was close to perfect.
He broke it off with me because he said he couldn’t give me the relationship I really wanted
and I would end up resenting him or even hating him for it.
Although I didn’t understand that when he said it, I understand now he was right.
The problem is, I cannot seem to get over him. I’ve had two unsuccessful relationships since.
They weren’t the same as it was with him. I don’t know what to do.
A few months ago, I cut off everything with him, and we haven’t talked in many months.
It’s not working! I’m still in love with him and can’t get him out of my head.
I mentioned the age difference because I had a hard time with it, but he didn’t.
What else can I do? I’m afraid to start anything with someone new. [/I]
– HOPELESS
DEAR:
[I]My ex-girlfriend and I have been good friends for the past five years.
Even though our relationship didn’t work out, I still want to be there for her as a friend.
My ex isn’t that financially responsible, nor is her family, and she keeps asking me for bailouts.
I have loaned her thousands of dollars since our breakup…
I am of two minds about this. Part of me feels I’m being taken advantage of.
However, the other part of me knows she doesn’t have many friends and, because I believe in karma,
I tend to help those in need. Please tell me what I should do.
Should I continue helping or let her fail? [/I]
– LENDING A HELPING HAND