DEAR ABBY: Six months ago I ran across an ad from a woman in prison who was looking for a pen pal. Having served time in the past, I know how it feels to be locked up and wanting contact with the outside world, be it friends, family, etc. I wrote her and she wrote back, and we exchanged pictures.
I am twice her age. I tried to get permission to visit her but was denied because I had served prior jail time. Our communication has been emails, letters and phone calls. I buy her things, and she is appreciative of everything I have done for her.
She says she wants to be with me when she gets out, which is not far off, and I'd love for it to happen, but I don't know how my daughters will react because she's their age. Right now it's friendship, but I know it could quickly evolve into love. I have prayed about it. All the signs keep saying we are good for each other. Abby, what to do? -- A GENERATION OLDER
DEAR G.O.: If you can, find out from the warden what the woman is incarcerated for. (Could it have been for conning people? Armed robbery?) Close your wallet and see how your "pen" pal reacts, because you may not be her only benefactor.
After she has been released, there's no guarantee your relationship will evolve into love. In fact, she could have a change of heart about committing to someone who's old enough to be her father. Please stop and look both ways before proceeding further.