DEAR ABBY: I am facing my worst nightmare. While I was still dating my husband, I had an affair with a married man. I broke it off when my husband-to-be proposed. I never told my fiance about the affair.
Last week, I learned that the wife of the man I was involved with found one of the "intimate" items I had given him. She has now gone to a lawyer and is seeking a divorce. I am afraid I may be called to testify if the divorce proceedings go that far.
I am scared to tell my husband. I'm afraid he will leave me if he finds out. I have been completely faithful my entire marriage -- and plan to remain so.
What should I do, Abby? Confess to my husband that I cheated prior to marrying him -- or wait and see if the attorney or the wife of my ex-lover contacts me? -- SCARED AND LOST IN FLORIDA
DEAR SCARED AND LOST: How you have conducted yourself since your marriage began is more important than any youthful indiscretion. As far as your "need" to confess, you've now confessed to my readers and me. Let the past stay buried for now. If you receive a summons to testify in the divorce, there'll be plenty of time to tell your husband about this episode from your past.