DEAR ABBY: My ex-wife's brother has cancer and lives in another state. He has asked that I be a pallbearer at his funeral. My live-in girlfriend says there is no way that I should agree to do it. She thinks this is a plot that my ex-wife has hatched to be close to me.
Although I divorced my "ex," I still like her family and they like me.
My girlfriend says that since I am divorced, I should have nothing to do with any of my former in-laws or friends that we both share. I feel that it should be OK for me to talk with my ex-in-laws every now and then, and to see mutual friends as long as my ex-wife isn't the main topic of conversation. I think my girlfriend should trust me enough to let me talk without making accusations.
By the way, Abby, I have never cheated on my ex-wife or my girlfriend, but my girlfriend's ex-husband did cheat on her. She also played around a little on her ex-husband before they separated. What do you think? -- ANYONE, ANYWHERE, U.S.A.
DEAR ANYONE, ANYWHERE: I think you should be a pallbearer for your former brother-in-law, if it is in your heart to do so. I also think you should consider moving your live-in girlfriend out -- unless, of course, you want a lifetime with this insecure and controlling woman.