It bothered her that I allowed a married woman to speak to me about something she considers a private matter between the couple. Unless I am a professional counselor, I am an interloper, usurping trust and intimacy that belongs inside the couple. But that’s often what happens when people catch us off-balance — and when we’re afraid to say the wrong thing, which is your real problem here. After you spell out why you helped Jen, say exactly what you’ll do if you get a tearful call like hers again. • Email Carolyn at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/carolyn.hax or chat with her online at 11 a.m. Central time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com.

Source: Washington Post October 18, 2024 11:22 UTC