Woman does not want to leave her companion behind

Dear Abby: I used to be a successful working woman until I lost my husband of 30 years. After I became homeless, I met “Tom.” We’ve been good friends for the last five years, hanging out in the woods, sometimes getting hotel rooms.

I receive Social Security survivor benefits now, and I want to move on and get my own place. He says he’s fine with it, but I feel terribly guilty. How can I comfort him?

Guilty in Florida

Dear Guilty: Tom has told you he is fine with you upgrading your living situation. I presume that you don’t intend to desert him. Believe him and stop flogging yourself for your good fortune. Help him when you can and encourage him to contact an agency that helps the homeless.

Dear Abby: I’m in a same-sex relationship with a woman I love and admire. But five months in, sex is becoming impossible because I think I’m heterosexual. Leaving this relationship scares me because I can’t imagine a life without her.

I told her I didn’t know if, for several reasons, sex would be a part of our relationship, but that I do love her. She doesn’t seem to mind at all. I’m not sure what to do. Please help.

Loving in Louisiana

Dear Loving: What you need to do is be honest with your partner. It is possible that you are bisexual and need to explore relationships with men before making up your mind about any permanent relationship. If sex is important to you, then the person you wind up with may not be this woman you love and admire, but someone else entirely.

Contact Dear Abby at www.dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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1982: Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in Washington, D.C., for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

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1945: during World War II, Iwo Jima was fully secured by U.S. forces.