DEAR ABBY: With the support of my friend "Lynn," I left "Stephanie," my wife of 17 years -- after she admitted to more than two dozen affairs over the course of our marriage. I am now in a relationship with Lynn and very happy.
My problem is my kids think I left Stephanie for Lynn because that is what their mother has told them. As much as I despise what my wife has done, I would never tell them the truth. I tell them Mommy and Daddy had their "differences," but they know there is more to the story. Please advise. -- ALMOST HAPPILY EVER AFTER IN UTAH
DEAR ALMOST: Mommy and Daddy did, indeed, have their differences. And there is also more to the story. If Lynn hadn't been there supporting you, would you still be tolerating Stephanie's serial infidelity? If the answer is yes, then in a sense, you did leave Stephanie for Lynn, which may have been healthier for all concerned. But since your children already know there is more to the story, tell them you'll tell them the rest of it when they are older if they still want to know. And when they're adults, if they do, follow through.