Newlywed loves both wife, mistress

Dear Abby: I have been married to my wife for a little over a year. I love her. However, right before our wedding, I met a co-worker I’ll call “Alexis.” We hit it off, and I consider her a close friend.

Alexis and I hooked up a few times before and after my wedding. We never discuss the encounters after they happen. We’re just best friends.

There have been instances when I have ditched my wife to hang out with Alexis — not to do anything, but just to hang out with her and her mother.

My wife says I spend too much time with Alexis between work and after work, but she’s fun to be with. My wife is kind of a homebody. She doesn’t like to go out and have a good time.

My wife doesn’t trust Alexis, and while I can’t blame her, I’m conflicted about what my next step should be.

I love my wife, but I also love Alexis as more than a friend, and I know she feels the same. What should I do next?

Loves Them Both

Dear Loves: You and Alexis aren’t buddies; you are lovers. Your first loyalty should be to your wife. At the very least, you owe it to her to have an honest discussion with her and figure out WITH HER what the next steps should be.

Dear Abby: My husband and I have been going to the same dentist for 20 years. We have always had the same dental hygienist. Over the years, we have noticed that she’s not very clean. She is sometimes very unkempt — with greasy hair and body odor. Her treatment room is also very messy. The last time I was there, she opened her cupboard, and I was appalled at the junk crammed in there. We are concerned that this is unsanitary and we no longer want to see her.

We love our dentist and the office staff. They are the nicest, most considerate and professional people. I would like to call and ask the front desk to reschedule our appointments with the other hygienist and include in our files that we only want to see that one. My husband thinks we should switch dentists. Any advice would be appreciated.

Dental Drama In The East

Dear Drama: You should have discussed this with your dentist years ago. Your concerns are valid. For your dentist’s sake, as well as your own, tell him exactly why you felt it was necessary to make the change.