Support husband but get him help
Dear Annie: I’ve been married four years to a man I love dearly. But in that time my husband has twice been accused of sexual harassment – once by the woman who runs the day-care center where my children go, and the second by members of the female staff at his job. He was fired because of that last one.
When he was accused the first time, I thought the woman was out of her mind. But now, I’m not sure what to do. I want to believe my husband, and part of me does, but the other part says he could have done it.
I guess what I’m asking is, do I go with my heart and forget it – or go with my gut feeling and ask him to leave until I make up my mind? – Undecided
Dear Undecided: We think you should “stand by your man” and get some help for him. If he is guilty of sexual harassment (and his track record is incriminating), your support could make the difference in teaching him what sexual harassment is and how to stop doing it. You’d be surprised how many people are totally clueless.
Contact your local universities, hospitals, community centers and YMCA to see if they offer sexual harassment awareness programs, or, if your husband has a new job, see if his employers sponsor any such programs. Tell him he must attend as a condition of your continued emotional support.
Dear Annie: I’m a 13-year-old girl having trouble with one of my best friends. “Kelsey” is very mad at me for reasons unknown. I have called her multiple times and left messages saying, “I’m sorry for whatever I did wrong. Can you call me back so we can talk this over?” but she hasn’t replied to any of them.
Kelsey told me she is never talking to me again. At school, if I try to speak to her, she ignores me and walks away. This has been going on for almost a week. I honestly don’t know what to do.
I’ve thought about walking over to her house, but I’m afraid she’ll slam the door in my face.
Do you know how I can find out what I did wrong and get Kelsey to talk to me again? – Losing My Best Friend
Dear Losing: We don’t know if you did something, or if Kelsey heard or witnessed something that upset her, but it is childish of her not to allow you a chance to explain. How sad that she is willing to lose a good friendship over what may be a misunderstanding. And it’s possible that she simply needs a week or so to cool off. So, your best bet is to get one of your mutual friends to find out what happened and act as a mediator. Of course, if Kelsey won’t budge, we’re sorry to say the friendship is over.