DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, I became acquainted with a woman I'll call "Julie." We were neighbors and talked often. One day, she confided that she was in a verbally and emotionally abusive marriage. She said she was a prisoner in her own home and didn't know what to do.
To make a long story short, I let myself get sucked in. I trusted her. I helped Julie financially to retain a lawyer and found her and her children a nice place to live through another friend of mine, "Sue." Sue knew of Julie's situation because I told her. She, too, was very kind to Julie.
Not only was Julie always late with her rent (there was no reason for her to be), she broke her lease and lied about why she had to move. My issue is that I unwittingly sucked Sue in for Julie's "cause." I feel terrible and responsible, even though I have apologized to Sue about it. Julie has made no effort to contact us since then.
I recently learned that Julie has "befriended" a prominent single man from church. (She's not yet divorced.) I believe he is getting sucked in the way I was. He has connections and has helped Julie find another job. He has also helped her move. Should I let him know what kind of person Julie really is, or use this as a learning experience, mind my own business and move on? -- CONNED IN THE SOUTH
DEAR CONNED: Would you keep silent if you knew there was a pickpocket loose in the congregation? You should not only tell the man what your and Sue's experience was with this woman, you should also clue your clergyperson in on the fact that there is a predator loose in his flock. It may not make you popular, but at least your conscience will be clear.