DEAR ABBY: I need to know if my husband's relationship with his ex-wife should be tolerated. They talk to each other on the phone every month or so, and send each other cards on special occasions. Their closeness caused a former girlfriend to break off their relationship before we met.
He is determined to stay close and sees nothing wrong with it. There were no children from the marriage, Abby, so that is not the reason.
Why do people who remain this close get divorced? Am I wrong to feel hurt and threatened, because I'm ready to just walk away from this warped, co-dependent relationship. Please let me know your thoughts. -- READY TO QUIT IN ARIZONA
DEAR READY TO QUIT: Your husband's first marriage failed for good reason. However, he and his ex may "cling" because they invested so much of themselves in the relationship that they can't completely detach.
Before you throw in the towel, please consider marriage counseling. Your husband may not understand how deeply his ongoing relationship with his ex hurts you. A neutral third party might be able to get through to him what you cannot.