Tell hubby about online creep

Mon., July 27, 2009

Kathy Mitchell/Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: I am the mother of an 18-month-old baby and have been happily married for 15 years. Since I am now a stay-at-home parent, I recently joined an online social networking system in order to reconnect with former co-workers. Many of my long-lost friends from high school found me and added me to their friend lists. We enjoyed remembering old times.

The problem is with one former classmate who initiated contact. At first, it was innocent enough. He asked what I’ve been doing since high school and commented about how cute my child is. Then it evolved into complimenting my appearance, which at first I thought was simple friendliness until the tone changed and he proposed we start an affair. I then blocked him from being able to view my online profile or contact me.

I’m not sure if I should tell my husband what happened. I love him with all my heart and soul and would never consider being unfaithful. On the one hand, I don’t want to upset him. The problem is, many of my high-school friends heard about the incident and word could get around. I don’t want my husband thinking I’ve been hiding something from him.

I also would like to warn others that just because you knew someone in high school doesn’t mean they are safe to talk to. – New York

Dear New York: You will feel better if you tell your husband, but don’t make it sound as if you are ashamed or worried. You did nothing wrong. Explain exactly what happened, and tell him you’ve blocked all future contact with this creep. Then let him know he is always free to look at any of the communication you have had with other classmates and co-workers. If you are completely transparent, he will have no reason to doubt you.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@ comcast.net.

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