DEAR ABBY: I was involved with "Ralph" for two years. We live in a senior apartment complex, and women have been coming on to him for years. He is now seeing "Joan," who happens to be my neighbor. This hurts me deeply.
This is a small complex and it's difficult to face them. I am desperately trying to hold my words and feelings inside because it is hard not to call the woman a "slut." I blame Ralph more. He made the decision to humiliate me, but how can Joan do this to her own neighbor? How do I handle this with class? -- SHATTERED HEART
DEAR SHATTERED HEART: The smart way to handle it "with class" is to keep your temper in check and do no name-calling. If Ralph didn't make your relationship official, he was free to start seeing someone else.
While I agree that this is a painful disappointment, do not waste one more minute feeling "humiliated." Not all romances work out -- and a remedy for easing the pain is to become more active. Do not sit around feeling sorry for yourself watching Ralph and Joan come and go. Time can ease a broken heart -- but if it doesn't, consider trading rooms/apartments with someone on a different floor.