DEAR ABBY: My best friend of more than 20 years has a boyfriend in prison. They started out as pen pals and quickly "fell in love." He was convicted of kidnapping and committing a sex crime against a woman. He will be released from prison soon, after completing his 15-year sentence, and plans on moving in with her.
Neither my husband nor I want to get to know this man, visit him in their home or entertain him in ours. My husband is adamant about never socializing with them.
I care deeply for my friend and want her to be happy, but I think she's making a huge mistake. How can I continue this friendship? -- BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL
DEAR BEHIND: You can't. And when she asks you why you have withdrawn from her life, you are going to have to give her the reason. The idea that you can maintain a friendship with this woman and exclude the man who's living with her is unrealistic, and the sooner you recognize that fact, the better off you'll be.