DEAR ABBY: I am furious at "Lesson Learned in Florida," who thought marrying a "relative stranger" for the sake of his child was a mistake! How about sleeping with a "relative stranger" for the sake of physical pleasure? I guess that part didn't bother him as much.
And the divorce was painful and traumatic for him? How about the quality of life for a little girl who must struggle with two selfish, irresponsible parents who have joint custody? How about the confusion and turmoil of straddling two homes? Now that WILL be traumatic for an innocent little victim of his bad behavior.
For those who haven't made these foolish and unfortunate mistakes yet, take this advice: Don't marry strangers, but don't sleep with strangers, either. Keep your pants zipped until you know and love your chosen mate. The result will be that a planned and wanted child will be raised in a home where married people love and care for each other. -- MELISSA ATTINOTO, ORION, MICH.
DEAR MELISSA: I agree that it's irresponsible to sleep with strangers. It is even more irresponsible to have sexual relations without protection. Both the man and the woman risked a possibly life-threatening, sexually transmitted disease, as well as an unplanned pregnancy.
However, not all children of divorce are traumatized by "straddling two homes," as long as each home is filled with unconditional love.