Dear Abby: My sister-in-law recently came for a visit. I have not really trusted “Claire” since I began noticing that every time she would leave, a garment or two of mine was missing.
During this last visit, I noticed a shirt I had just washed was missing from where I had left it. I mentioned it to my husband, and he found it – in Claire’s suitcase.
My husband wants an apology and to inform her that she’s not invited back. Is there a proper way to handle this?
– Sick of Stealing
Dear Sick of Stealing: Obviously, the time has come to clear the air – but please try to do it kindly. Your sister-in-law may be unable to control her impulse to take things. Or she could be frustrated with her own life and covetous of the loving relationship you enjoy with her brother, and took the items in an attempt to fill the emptiness she feels inside. In either case, she should be confronted with the evidence and told that you both know what has been going on and if it happens again, she’ll no longer be your houseguest.
. . .
Dear Abby: This is an open letter from a grieving wife to unfaithful husbands everywhere.
Dear Unfaithful Husband: Have you ever stopped to think what would happen if your life ended suddenly, giving you no time to clean up what you would not want your family to know?
My husband died instantly in an automobile accident during his workday. When I was asked to pick up the contents of his desk, his car and the locker at his club, I was shocked beyond belief. The loving husband and father I thought I knew after almost 30 years of marriage had been leading a double life. He had at least three other women within a 25-mile radius of our home and his office.
It has taken me three years and numerous counseling sessions to come to terms with my anger and grief.
What would your family find after your death that would cause them additional grief?
– Still Grieving
Dear Still Grieving: I’m pleased to print your open letter to cheating spouses. However, rather than urging them to cover their tracks, would it not be better to suggest they correct what is missing in their marriages so they can remain faithful?
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
