Dear Coleen

HUBBY OPENLY FLIRTS WITH PAL

I’VE been married for five years and, for the majority of that time, I’ve been very happy. My problem started last year when an old friend moved back to town and we’ve been seeing a lot of her over the past few months.

My husband openly flirts with her and has even told me he thinks she’s sexy and if he weren’t married to me, he’d definitely be interested in her.

At first I laughed it off but it’s starting to get to me. He behaves really oddly if we’re out and she’s chatting to other guys or if she talks about her love life.

She’s single after coming out of a long-term relationship and is keen to meet someone else.

I’m 100 per cent sure nothing has happened between them and pretty sure she has never thought of him in that way or ever would but it’s clear he really fancies her and cares about what she’s up to.

Any advice? incredibly insecure and the fact he can’t see this is happening is also worrying.

First of all, stop going out in groups with this woman. Have girls’ nights out and see her on your own. There’s really no reason for your husband to be there. And if he asks why he’s not getting an invite, be upfront about it and tell him how his behaviour is affecting you and why it could really damage your marriage.

I think you must take a stand and explain to him what’s acceptable and what’s not. He’s married to you yet taking such a deep interest in your friend – and openly flirting with her at every opportunity is not appropriate.

As I always say in this situation, ask him how he’d feel if you were behaving like this with one of his friends.