DEAR ABBY: My ex-husband -- who had an affair -- and I have been divorced for three years, but have been forced into a roommate situation due to health issues on my part and financial issues on his. We have two kids together that I have needed his help with. However, there is a potential "new guy" in my life who is uncomfortable that my ex still lives here.
My friends tell me I'm too nice to have let him stay here for so long. I feel it's the charitable thing to do because he has nowhere to go. I'm also afraid my kids will think I'm being hateful if I kick their father out. Oh my God, Abby, what do I do? -- IN TRANSITION IN TENNESSEE
DEAR IN TRANSITION: If you want to stay "stuck" in your predicament, allow your former husband to continue living there. If you would like to go on with your life, then recognize that very few men would want to date a woman who has another man living with her.
By allowing your ex to stay with you, you have allowed your children to think your marriage could be repaired. If that is not the case -- and search your heart before answering that question -- then set a time limit for him to leave.