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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Annie’s Mailbox: Express concern to friend about hubby

Marcy Sugar and Kathy Mitchell Creators Syndicate

Dear Annie: My best friend’s husband is having an affair with his sister-in-law. I have firsthand knowledge of this and also heard it through several different, unrelated sources. They are pretty blatant about being seen together.

My friend needs to get rid of this creep. I believe he’s a serial cheater who thinks he can get away with anything. Why else would a reasonably intelligent man risk losing everything, including his home and children, over this?

I want to tell her, but dread hurting her. If she doesn’t believe me, it could end our friendship. But we live in a small town, and it’s only a matter of time before she finds out. Then she’d be angry because I kept the information from her.

Keeping this to myself feels as if I am betraying her, and it’s getting harder and harder for me to be around her. This friendship is important to me. What do I do? Tell her or wait for the hammer to fall? – Best Friend in Trouble

Dear Friend: There is another possibility: that your friend already knows and has chosen not to deal with it. But in a small town, you are right that she will find out. You can express your concern without accusing her husband directly. Simply point out that he seems to be spending a lot of time with his sister-in-law, and if he were your husband, you’d check it out. Then leave it alone.

Dear Annie: Thank you for running the letter from “Up Close and Personal,” who tried chlorophyll tablets for bad breath. I had a similar problem. No matter how many times I brushed my teeth and tongue, I still had a terrible taste in my mouth. Since that letter appeared, I have been taking two chlorophyll tablets every day, and I feel so much more confident. – Fresh and Happy in Ohio

Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.