DEAR ABBY: I am a 45-year-old woman in love with a 61-year-old man I'll call Edgar. We have been together for 22 years. We are not married. This entire time, Edgar has been married to another woman I'll call Sherene. He has not lived with or slept with Sherene for 30 years. When I bring up the subject of marriage, Edgar always says he is going to get a divorce. After 22 years with me, it hasn't happened.
Abby, if Edgar dropped dead tomorrow, Sherene would be recognized as his wife -– not me. She will be able to draw his Social Security and take anything and everything –- our car, house, etc.
I need to know, should I put my foot down and demand marriage or separation? -- SLEEPING BEAUTY IN MIAMI
DEAR SLEEPING BEAUTY: I'm pleased you finally woke up. Your assessment of the situation is 100 percent correct. If anything happens to Edgar, you will be shafted.
A person who cares about the well-being of another wants to ensure that person will be safe and secure if disaster strikes. The only two things we can be absolutely sure of are death and taxes. Talk to a lawyer!