Women’s attraction to man complicates other friendship

Dear Abby: My friend “Lauren” and her husband separated for a few months last summer. During the separation, she had a short fling with my friend “Zack.” Lauren decided to continue her marriage and, obviously, chose to stop seeing Zack.

A few months ago, Zack came to a party I threw. Everyone had a few margaritas, when the night ended, Zack and I had sex for the first time in our 10 year friendship. I wasn’t sure I should tell Lauren, even though she’s a married woman, because I was afraid it might upset her.

A week ago, Zack confessed that he may be in love with me, and I feel the same way. Since Zack and I are getting serious, I decided to go ahead and tell Lauren. She was furious and accused me of “betraying” her and trying

to “one-up” her. She said I should have known how she felt about him, and that I’m a terrible friend. Are her feelings justified? Am I in the wrong? Or are we all still adults? — Accidentally In

Love

Dear Accidentally In

Love: Lauren’s feelings justified? Heck, no! If you are still speaking to her, “remind” her that when she went back to her husband, she relinquished all claims on the man she slept with in the interim. He’s entitled to a life and so are you. I’d distance myself from this woman. She shouldn’t begrudge you for enjoying someone she can’t enjoy herself. Shame on her.

Dear Abby: I’m a student at an art school, and I’m struggling with anxiety and depression. I have been on lockdown in my hometown due to the covid-19 pandemic, isolated from my friends and unable to socialize. Sometimes when I watch the news I become very anxious, and I wonder if there’s a light at the end of these dark times. What should I do? —

Anxiety-Ridden In Atlanta Dear Anxiety-Ridden:

Welcome to the club! Many people feel just the way you do — anxious, isolated and depressed.

You can manage negative emotions by getting out of the house and exercising — alone or with friends or neighbors (while social distancing). Keep in touch with friends and classmates using your computer and cellphone. There’s no reason you couldn’t collaborate on an art project using those devices.

Quarantine is temporary. Unless you have an underlying health condition or someone in your household does, you can mingle with others wearing a face covering while keeping your distance. From what I have observed, some relationships have been strengthened as people reach out to each other. A way to overcome the blues is to start thinking about what you can do for someone else, even if it’s just a phone call.