Fake pregnancy lures man in relationship

Dear Abby: Afriend of mine faked a pregnancy to get a man to stay with her. Once he moved in, she told him she’d had a miscarriage. She even went so far as to name this so-called baby.

He now has the baby’s name tattooed on his arm! She goes on Facebook and talks about how she misses her “little baby boy,” and counts every month as though it is his birthday. Every time I read it I get a sick feeling.

I want to tell this man the truth. I know for a FACT she was not pregnant. I’m not sure how to go about this. If I say something, I know I will end up the bad guy. Should I mind my own business or let this man know he’s living with a maniac?

— Wants to tell the truth

My husband and I have recently moved and are now being bombarded with demands to see our home. I was brought up to believe that inviting yourself to anything, especially the privacy of someone’s home, is extremely rude.

I understand our family is excited for us, and it is nice to be loved — but our home isn’t ready to be shown, and people won’t give up! Telling them about the remodeling mess and that we plan to have a housewarming party in the future when everyone can see our place has been ineffective.

The times I have been unable to avoid people who insisted on coming over, they were rude and judgmental about the moving mess. Please advise me how to say “no” without offending those who are offending me.

— Etiquette-bound homeowner in Kansas

Abigail Van Buren Your friend may have told this lie so often that she has come to believe it herself. Or, she may be acting this out in order to hang onto the man. While I don’t think she is a maniac, I do think she may be unbalanced. I agree the man has a right to...