DEAR ABBY: My neighbor "Lil" has a son the same age as mine -- 4. They enjoy playing together. The problem is Lil's husband. I'll call him Jake. Jake is an admitted drug user. Lil has kicked him out twice, but she takes him back when he promises to stay straight. Attempts at rehabilitation are usually abandoned in a few weeks.
My husband thinks I should sever all ties with Lil because of Jake's behavior. If I do, our sons will be the ones who suffer. I see no reason why Lil and her son can't come to our house so the children may play together. Jake is aware of our feelings and knows he's not welcome.
My husband is adamant about me not socializing with Lil. I try to stay neutral, but the stress of being in the middle is starting to take its toll. Is there a happy ending to this difficult situation? -- STUCK IN THE MIDDLE
DEAR STUCK: Lil and the boy are blameless. Your husband is judgmental and controlling. How would he react if the situation were reversed?
Either put your foot down and assert your rights to disagree with your husband -- or be prepared to live the rest of your life under his thumb. The choice is yours.