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Dear Annie: My husband and I have been married for five years. We have a beautiful daughter, and we’ve got a son on the way. But I keep finding my husband using dating websites and chatrooms for singles. When I ask him about it, he gets angry and says, “That’s from months ago!” But whenever I check, I see new activity. How can I address this issue?
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Dear Annie: My son, “Rick,” and a former friend of his, “Cherie,” had a baby together. I love Cherie and the baby so much, and I’m fortunate that I get to see my grandson every other week. My issue is, how do I introduce Cherie to family members who have never met her? Additionally, I’m unsure about how to introduce the woman whom Rick is currently dating. I really don’t care for her, but they live together. How should I handle these introductions?
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Dear Annie: You have had several letters recently about people who drink too much. I have been doing some research on the subject since my niece died several weeks ago of organ failure after years of drinking. She would not take the advice of anyone, but now her problems are over.
The best thing I’ve found is some research done by William Porter, a British solicitor (lawyer) who quit drinking seven years ago. He has written several books on the subject of alcohol. His site is www.alcoholexplained.com. The first five chapters of his book “Alcohol Explained” can be read free online. Once you read what alcohol does to your brain, you will never touch it again. He has several other books and videos. All are very thought-provoking. – Carolyn A.
- Dear Carolyn: I am so sorry that this insidious disease claimed the life of your niece. I read the five chapters available online of “Alcohol Explained.” As you noted, the author is a lawyer, not a doctor, but he offers a plain-spoken, useful overview of the chemical workings behind the disease of alcoholism. I don’t share the view of Alcoholics Anonymous that he conveys in the introduction. However, I do know that some folks struggling with problematic drinking would like options besides AA, and self-education through books such as these can be helpful. (Other good options include Families Anonymous and LifeRing Secular Recovery.)
Regarding “How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” Annie Lane’s second anthology, featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication, and reconciliation, is now available as a paperback and e-book. For more information, visit www.creatorspublishing.com. You can send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].
