DEAR ABBY: I am a 45-year-old divorced mother of three.
"Jeff," the man I am seeing, is kind, patient, understanding
and generous. He is a gentleman. There isn't anything I want
or wish for that he does not get for me. Jeff sends me
flowers several times a month. He loves my children dearly. I
could not ask for a more perfect man.
The problem is: HE'S STILL MARRIED. Jeff and his wife
have been separated for 10 years. He refuses to see a lawyer,
even for consultation, because he says he can't afford a
divorce. He's convinced his wife will take "everything." How
can he be certain if he doesn't talk to someone?
I love Jeff with all my heart, but quite frankly, I am
tired of waiting. I want to be his wife. I know Jeff loves me
with all his heart, mind, body and soul -- but maybe not
enough to get married.
Abby, how much longer do I wait? -- EVERYTHING EXCEPT
THE RING
DEAR EVERYTHING: The gentleman you are seeing may love
you with his heart, mind, body and soul -- but he loves his
current economic status more.
Ask yourself: Can I live like this indefinitely, or
should I push for a commitment with the risk of "losing" him?
Only YOU can answer that.