In love with a married man
DEAR ANNIE » I’m in a difficult situation I’m hoping you can help with. You see, my soul mate is married.
It all began the Christmas before last. I was working at a convenience store, when suddenly in walked the most beautiful man. My heart started racing, and I became overwhelmed with a feeling I’d never felt before. For months, we flirted back and forth when he came into the store, and one day we finally exchanged numbers. I didn’t know he was married, let alone had children. When I found that out, I pulled back some and stopped flirting. He pouted and had low-key tantrums, and then he stopped texting — for a while.
He still kept coming into the store on the regular. But then he started trying to flirt with my co-workers, talking slick to them in my presence. I talked to my co-workers and established that no one — and I meant no one — was to entertain my soul mate!
About a year went by, and we started flirting again. Frustration and tension built for months. One day, he finally leaned in and — oh, that kiss! Sparks flew. I had a tingling sensation. I quickly pulled away and left. I had butterflies and was lightheaded and shaking. I had this overwhelming feeling of uncertainty. But I knew he was the one.
We are currently six months into our affair. He knows how I feel about him, the passion and desires. He tries to leave me, but it only lasts about a week, and then he’s back again. Home life isn’t the best for him. His wife is constantly nagging him. His 7-year-old son is super needy and has driven a wedge between them and ruined their intimacy. His teenage stepdaughter, who wasn’t there for him when he was incarcerated, is always bothering him now.
What do I do? He and his wife are slowly getting a divorce. I love him, and I strongly believe that he was mine in a past life and needs to be with me.
— But I Love Him DEAR BUT I LOVE HIM » This isn’t love. It’s infatuation. The two are like gold and pyrite. Love shines at any angle, whereas infatuation only glistens in the right light. One is precious; the other just pretends to be. Don’t fall for fool’s gold.
You do not really know this man, because he spends most of his time with his wife and family (maybe even another girlfriend). And what you do know for sure about him is not good. He’s cheated on his wife. He’s tried to make you jealous by flirting with your co-workers. He’s dismissed his children’s love as a nuisance. (His son is only 7 years old, for goodness’ sake. Of course he’s needy.)
The affair is exciting for now, but that excitement will fade. I’d wager “slowly getting a divorce” means “not getting a divorce,” but even if he does — even if he leaves his wife and kids to start over with you — how long will it be before he’s kissing a new cashier? And you’ll be waiting at home, with newfound sympathy for the “nagging” wife. Love yourself enough to end this infatuation. DEAR ANNIE » There is suspicious activity in a nearby establishment. All windows are boarded. The door they use as an entrance has a padlock on it. Several very nice automobiles are often parked there. Today I noticed about six cars departing, with men driving each car.
Should I contact the local police? Local news station? I’ve been monitoring this activity for over a year. My mind wanders from thinking it’s dogfighting to thinking it’s drugs, gambling or even worse — females held captive.
— Frightened Neighbor DEAR FRIGHTENED NEIGHBOR » Call the police on the non-emergency line. If nothing else, your wandering mind will get some rest.