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

Dear Annie: Few friendships can overcome unrequited love

Kathy Mitchell And Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: I have two friends I will call “Tom” and “Jack.” All three of us have been friends since high school. Tom and Jack were like brothers long before I met them, but even though I was a girl, they accepted me into their family.

After we graduated, we stopped hanging out as much, but have made an effort to get together every now and then over the years. Tom’s job takes up most of his time. Jack has a wife and son. I also have a son and a wonderful boyfriend. The problem is Jack’s wife. She hates me, which I’ve never understood since we’ve barely spoken. But Tom says she is jealous because she thinks Jack and I had “a thing” in high school and beyond. This is absurd.

Now I am not so sure about Jack. After a recent exchange of e-mails, I believe he has feelings for me and Tom confirms it. Apparently, these feelings are not new. I care about Tom and Jack very much. I love them, but in a platonic way. I tried to tell Jack that I value our friendship but am already with someone I love and that isn’t going to change. He doesn’t seem to understand and continues to say things like, “I don’t care what my wife thinks. I am going to be with you no matter what.”

Annie, I don’t know what to do. I don’t want Jack’s wife to hate me, nor do I want the title of “homewrecker.” But I also don’t want the friendship to end. I know things cannot continue like this. How can I get Jack to understand without losing everything? – Only Sisterly Love Here

Dear Sisterly: Not all friendships can survive when one person has an unrequited crush on the other. Until now, Jack has kept his feelings under wraps, but his current determination to be with you makes the friendship untenable. Call Jack and tell him you are sorry, but you have no interest in being with him, and suggest he and his wife get counseling. Then back away and do not respond to any additional romantic overtures.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Trying My Best,” whose boss complained about her “unprofessional hair,” which is growing back after chemo treatments. I am so disgusted I can hardly speak. How insensitive can a person be?

I wonder how such a callous person was put in charge of employees. She should be tarred and feathered. Then she ought to spend a day in a cancer center. A big bouquet of stinkweeds to her. – Tex

Dear Tex: Hundreds of readers wrote to say this boss could use a refresher course in compassion and decency. Yours was one of the few printable ones.

E-mail to Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column, at anniesmailbox@comcast.net