Man’s old tryst with wife’s yoga teacher causes strain

DEAR ABBY: My wife recently started a new yoga class she really likes. But I made the mistake of telling her that the instructor and I had dated briefly (had sex) when we were around 15. I am 50 now and my wife is 45. I was a promiscuous drunk when I was in high school and college. I have been sober now for 28 years, and we have been together for 22 years. I have not been with another woman since I met my wife.

Abby, she treats this situation as if I cheated on her yesterday, and this was 35 years ago! Also, after she recognized my wife’s last name, the yoga instructor told my wife that I broke her heart back then. Help! – HEARTBREAKER

DEAR HEARTBREAKER: You have gotten your life in order, and the yoga instructor appears to be doing well. That she’s 50 and in good enough shape to be teaching yoga says a lot for her flexibility. Clearly, neither you nor your old high school classmate has been trying to slip anything past your wife. If she really feels threatened because of your long-past relationship with her teacher, she should roll up her mat and find another class.

DEAR ABBY: My mother-inlaw didn’t get me a card or even wish me Happy Mother’s Day on my very first one. We got together to celebrate, so I don’t think she forgot. I thought we had a pretty good relationship, but now I’m not so sure.

Is there a nice way to ask her why she didn’t get me a card or even say, “Happy Mother’s Day”? – NEW MOM IN TENNESSEE

DEAR NEW MOM: I suggest that when you approach her about this, you do it with a smile and say, “I was surprised when you didn’t wish me a Happy Mother’s Day. Why was that?” Then listen.