I’m married, but have feelings for a co-worker

For the past five years of my 20-year marriage, communication and affection have broken down.

I wanted to leave, we discussed it. But I didn’t leave.

Similar to a writer in your April 20 column, I too have a co-worker with whom I hit it off, five years ago. We joked and flirted a bit.

He was gracious, a gentleman, always helping me.

He’d given what seemed to be hints, but we’ve never crossed any lines before.

We’re always professional, never seeing each other outside of work.

I’ve suggested having a coffee after work, but he always says he’s busy. I have feelings for him. I want to know if there’s something there.

Would you suggest I just give up on this, or not?

I’ve seen a counsellor who suggested I talk to a lawyer about options of separation if I’m at that point. Feelings for Co-Worker

Although there are many similarly conflicted relationship scenarios (why else would so many blues songs strike the same chord?), we’re all unique individuals when we face them.

The writer of the April 20 question didn’t want to break up her marriage. You have wanted to leave your husband, but didn’t.

That’s why a counsellor would suggest your seeing a lawyer about separating — a reality check for you to face what’s involved and how it’d affect your life.

You’re nowhere near a “feelings” conversation with your co-worker, since he’s rebuffed your attempts to meet outside of work.

He obviously likes you as a person, but he’s not even hinting at feelings.

This is at most a crush, more likely an escape dream.

But as the saying goes, there is no “there” there.

Decide what to do about your marriage, not about this co-worker. Six years ago, my ex suddenly disappeared from the lives of our two daughters and me.

She took the majority of our assets, including education savings plans.

The three of us have struggled emotionally and financially, but with my retirement savings and their penchants for winning scholarships, they’ve thrived. We’ve always been very close. Recently, their mother reappeared with her new wealthy husband. She visits them unannounced at their schools and gives them money (now more than $50,000).

They take it and try to give it to me. I refuse it, but am torn whether to express my opinion that they should refuse it. They were happy when she first reappeared, but now find her rewriting of history, self-pity and withering criticism of me annoying.

I feel this barrage of money is unhealthy. Should I express my opinion or let my intelligent daughters work this out for themselves? Betrayed, Dumped and Loved

Why question the judgment of two such bright, thoughtful, loyal young women? They tried to give you the money, are entitled to it as part of what was missing from their education fund and are free to accept it, even if as “gifts” from their mother’s guilt feelings.

Unhealthy? Not likely, since they already know she’s trying to buy their acceptance of her new script.

But, otherwise, there can be emotional value in their life even without the money, from having their mother reconnect.

The best position you can take now is being available to advise them on sound use of the money (some for immediate needs, some saved for longer-term use).

They love and respect you. Don’t let the money intrude on your relationship with them. Tip of the day Unless married people are prepared for the realities of separation, an affair can become a nightmare. Read Ellie Monday to Saturday. Email ellie@thestar.ca or visit her website, ellieadvice.com. Follow @ellieadvice.