Truth of man’s marital status revealed

Dear Abby: Four days after my boyfriend (whom I had been seeing for 8½ years) was killed in an accident, I found out he was married. He had claimed for years that he was divorced and even produced a copy of his divorce decree several years ago.

He has been dead for five months now, and I need something back from his wife that he borrowed from me: my father’s Mason ring. I was devastated when I learned he was married and had lied to me all those years, but I have no intention of telling his wife or causing her pain. (I don’t think she knows about me.) I would like the ring back because my father passed away many years ago, and I want to pass it on to my daughter, who never knew her grandfather. He died before she was born.

My boyfriend’s sister (who lives with his wife) knows about me. She told me she won’t tell her sister-in-law that and I should leave her alone. — Twisted Situation Down South

Dear Twisted Situation: I assume you have explained the situation to the wife’s sister-in-law. Contact her once more and tell her you want the ring and need her help to get it back. However, if she’s still uncooperative, you may need a lawyer to write the grieving widow a registered letter explaining the entire situation and asking that the ring be returned.

Dear Abby: I am 9 years old, and I have a twin brother. Sometimes he’s nice to me and other times he’s annoying. When he’s annoying, sometimes he doesn’t stop. I wish I could lock my bedroom door, but my parents keep telling me not to lock any of the doors in the house. Could you tell me what to do, please? — Bothered

Twin in Austin, Texas

Dear Twin: Is your brother trying to be annoying, or is he just … annoying? If it’s the former, talk to your parents about it because he may need to be put on notice. If it’s the latter, then you should talk to him.

Explain that sometimes you don’t feel like talking or playing and you need to be left alone. Agree on a signal so he’ll know.

Dear Abby: Easter is a day to be thankful for Christ that our sins are forgiven. Opinionated atheists at the dinner table distract from the meaning of the celebration. Is it wrong on Easter Sunday to exclude relatives who no longer practice the Christian faith? — Saved in Minnesota

Dear Saved: Before making up your mind, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”