DEAR ABBY: About a year ago I was in the process of separating from my husband. I started looking for a place of my own, but after I found one, my husband said he wanted to "work things out."
While we were separated we slept in different rooms. During this time I met another man, "Craig." He knew I was married and I told him about the situation with my husband. Craig and I have not been intimate or even kissed. We have carried on inappropriate conversations via phone, e-mail and texting, and we have sent each other pictures through e-mail.
My husband and I have now reconciled, but I have been stringing Craig along on the chance that, if my marriage doesn't work out, he'll be there. I feel guilty about this. Is what Craig and I have done considered a form of cheating? What should I do? -- HEDGING MY BETS IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR HEDGING: Of course it's a form of cheating! You know that on some level or you wouldn't be feeling guilty. If you really want your marriage to work, you'll stop hedging your bets and devote yourself fully to it. You'll also level with Craig, tell him you and your husband have reconciled, ask him not to call you again and delete his texts and e-mails. If you don't, your husband could find them and your marriage will be over.