Annie’s Mailbox: Extreme jealousy needs therapy

Dear Annie: I am an unbelievably jealous woman. I don’t trust anyone around my husband, not even my sister. The root of this jealousy is the fact that several former boyfriends cheated on me.

My husband assures me he will never have an affair, but I still fear he will find someone better. I sometimes cry myself to sleep thinking he’ll leave me because I’m not good enough for him. I love my husband very much and only want to make him happy. I don’t want to push him away because I’m behaving stupidly. Please help me get a handle on my jealousy. – Lost in Nebraska

Dear Nebraska: Your past experiences have made you understandably insecure. But you are smart to recognize that extreme jealousy is a problem and realize you need to work on it. Please get some counseling and learn ways to put your fears into perspective and not allow them to take over your life. Your doctor or clergyperson can refer you.

Dear Annie: I recently had a birthday party for my daughter who turned 5. I invited relatives and friends, along with about 20 children. One of the guests was my friend “Jean,” who recently had a baby.

When I walked out to the deck, I was shocked to see Jean sitting in front of everyone with her breast pulled out of the top of her shirt, nursing her baby. She was completely exposed.

I think nursing is a wonderful, amazing experience. I nursed my children, too. But to undress yourself like that in someone else’s home is not appropriate, especially in front of older relatives and children. I didn’t say anything at the time, but now I feel I owe my guests an apology. – Embarrassed in Maine

Dear Maine: Some nursing mothers do not consider the sensitivities of others when they feed their babies. Since Jean was in your home, with your relatives, she should have found a quiet, private place to nurse her child. You don’t owe your guests any apologies, but if the situation should arise again, you can gently escort Jean to a more appropriate area.