Wife’s choice stuns him

Dear Amy: My wife of 10 years dropped a bomb on me last night. She told me that she’s interested in having sexual relations with a female friend of hers. She is seeking my approval.

She feels that doing this with someone of the same sex doesn’t constitute being unfaithful. I don’t know if I’m being overly conservative here, but I strongly disagree.

We have two young children, and I’m very worried that her curiosity might put our family at risk. We had a long discussion last night, but it seems she’s already made up her mind.

Is there anything I could say that would convince her otherwise?

Scared Dad

Dear Scared: Your wife’s reasoning is hilarious. In offering it, she is both insulting your intelligence and also diminishing the impact of her choice.

Your wife doesn’t have the right to choose which of her actions constitutes a betrayal for you. Nor does she have the right to gaslight you into thinking that you are overly “conservative.”

I can’t help you to convince your wife not to do something she has already declared that she is going to do.

Is your marriage over? No. You two are talking openly and honestly, and that’s a good thing. But you have a voice, and you must not let your wife silence it.

You have not agreed to this, and if it conflicts with your own personal ethics, you should not allow your wife to pressure you. Please, see a counselor, either with her or by yourself. Dear Amy: Several years ago I sold a company in a lucrative buy-out arrangement.

As a middle-age single woman, this allowed me to pursue other interests and start yet another company, which keeps me happily busy with a full plate of paperwork, contracts and correspondence.

I eat most meals out and use this time away from my hectic office to review my work. My day starts at 5:30 a.m. I love my life, but a growing problem seems to be total strangers who stop by my table to ask me who I am and “what I do.” What I do is diverse and complicated and isn’t really their business. I’ve even had waitresses and a cook come to my table to inquire.

I used to respond graciously with general statements, but this doesn’t seem to cut it, and I find myself getting more abrupt, with responses such as, “I do whatever I want.” Since this sounds rather pompous, I’ve resorted to, “I’m a hooker.” Oddly, this usually gets a laugh and they walk away.

These are admittedly horrible responses. I would like your advice as to how to handle this without encouraging more conversation. Are they curious, nosy or simply rude?

Heartland Holdout

Dear Holdout: I think these people are being friendly. They are trying to get to know the woman who always sits at the corner table at mealtime. You can’t expect total privacy in a public place.

You need an answer so vague and boring that it discourages further inquiry. Years ago when I responded, “I’m a freelancer,” that seemed to clear the room pretty quickly. Otherwise, “I’m a business consultant” might work. If people ask you what you consult about and you don’t want to discuss it, you can say, “Well, I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you … hahaha!