DEAR ABBY: I recently started a new job that I enjoy very much. Yesterday, however, I discovered I am working in an office with someone I never expected to meet. She is the wife of a man with whom I had a brief affair more than two years ago.
I saw "Bill" only a couple of times before I realized he was lying to me about being separated and in the process of a divorce. The second time we got together, I'm pretty sure it was at the home he shared with his wife, in their bed! He told me it was his mother's house. After I saw pictures of his two children on the dresser, I ended the relationship.
My problem is I am very uncomfortable in the presence of Bill's wife. She seems to be a very nice person, but I can't carry on a conversation with her the way I can with my other co-workers. I'm sure it is only a matter of time before Bill comes to visit his wife at work, and I can't imagine how to act when that happens. Please help. -- TRYING TO FORGET
DEAR TRYING: You were wise to end this no-win situation as quickly as you did. Now it is time to forget it. Your initial discomfort in the presence of Bill's wife will lessen over time. If Bill shows up, treat him as though you've never seen him before -- which is better than he deserves.