SHOCKED BY DAD’S PARTY ‘BABE’ TEXTS

Dear Coleen

Recently I found a message thread on my dad’s phone that makes me believe he is cheating on my mum.

The contact name for this woman is V. He repeatedly called her “babe” and sends kissy face emojis. He was always texting her late at night – like, 11.30pm – and asking her if she was “partying”.

I showed my sister what I found on his phone and she told me not to worry and that it was just a joke he had going on with a friend at work.

I don’t know if I should confront my dad or tell my mum. I’m also afraid that if I speak up, they will get a divorce. I’ve never had a bad relationship with my dad but I don’t know what to think.

Coleen says I’d ask your dad and see what he says and tell him how you’re feeling. Say you’ve seen these texts and you’re worrying about them. Be prepared, though, he might be angry that you’ve looked through his messages.

And if it is just jokey banter with a woman at work, does your mum know and would she find it funny?

Your sister could be right that it’s just friendship but if it’s something more than that, then asking your dad about it will either make him confront it or end it because he won’t want to risk you telling your mum.

The bottom line is, your parents are adults and this is up to them to sort out.

And if they end up arguing or separating, then you mustn’t blame yourself – these things always come out at some stage.