Lifestyle

Dear Eric: My aunt on my mother’s side, told me that there was something she needed to tell me, but that I’d have to wait until my mother passed.

There has been a lot written about grief.I’ve contributed my fair share, because it’s a topic I’ve lived up close and personal.“Write what you know.”Some of the best advice ever given.“Even if you wish you didn’t know it.”That’s the rest of the advice no one ever includes.So I write about what I know, and although I wish I didn’t know it, I have become somewhat of an expert on grief.

Dear Eric: I have a group of three girlfriends from middle school/high school.

Dear Eric: I am a 64-year-old man, married for 42 years.

Dear Eric: My 89-year-old mom is a button-wearing, T-shirt slogan, lifelong Democrat.

Dear Readers: I value hearing back from people who have had their questions published in this space.

Dear Amy: My good college friend “Clara” is getting married next month.Clara has several bridesmaids.

I started this column thinking I might write about some of the things I’ve never yet done, like take an Alaskan cruise, drink ouzo in Greece, taste French bread in France or parent a dachshund.But I missed out on the most important never ever of all:Never, have I ever… played pickleball.There it is.

Dear Amy: My husband “Ben” and I have been married for more than 30 years.He and I are both in our 60’s.He has been messaging a 35-year-old very attractive and single female that he became friends with over Facebook.To the best of my knowledge, they have never met in person.I have surreptitiously checked his phone and have seen that these messages have become increasingly lengthy and personal and have included several pictures of themselves.Granted, none of these are X-rated, but one of my concerns is that the intensity of this online relationship has grown quite exponentially in a very short time and could very well lead to actual X-rated.What would someone my husband’s age really expect to get out of such a relationship, and what is driving this woman to pursue a relationship with someone old enough to be her father?She is now writing that she is always thinking about him and is sending him hugs and kisses.I am not sure what to do because I really cannot confront my husband regarding this as I know it will only end up in a massive argument with denials on his part about it being anything but innocent.Your take?– Alarmed wifeDear Alarmed: You seem to draw the line at “X-rated” messages, and yet if sexual messages are passed back and forth in this completely virtual relationship, what difference would their rating make?I’m suggesting that the relationship is already happening, that it is already interfering in your marriage, that you don’t trust your husband, and you are surveilling him in secret.Some people seek online romantic relationships because they want that thrilling, “You’ve got mail” rush.

INDIANAPOLIS – The year isn’t the only thing that’s changing!