Teenager discovers that mother is unfaithful while looking at her phone

Dear Abby: I am 15 and have a big problem. My mom and my dad have been married a long time. I was looking through pictures on Mom’s phone and found some very inappropriate and romantic texts from “Rob,” her business partner.

Mom forces our whole family to hang out with Rob, and my brother doesn’t like him either. But anytime we bring it up, my mom yells at us and makes me cry.

She wants me to be friends with Rob.

One time when we were all at a restaurant, someone asked if he was my dad. I know what she is doing with him, and I can’t focus on school because of it.

I think my dad knows — kind of — but I’m sure he hasn’t seen the texts that I saw.

I don’t want to ruin my family, but I cry about it every night alone. I know my parents won’t go to couples counseling, and I don’t want to hurt my brother either.

Any help would be very much appreciated. — Kid Who Knows the Truth

Dear Kid: Because this is causing emotional problems that are affecting your studies, it can’t be ignored. It is time for you to talk about this with a school counselor, a relative or a family friend for emotional support and guidance.

I also think at some point you should talk to your mother about what you found on her phone.

Tell her that’s the reason you don’t want to be friends with her business partner.

Your sense of right and wrong is valid, and don’t let her tell you otherwise. Do not be surprised if she’s upset about the fact that you know what has been going on, so be prepared for it.

I am sorry you have to go through this. It’s a shame.