Some Counseling Is Called For

Dear Ann Landers: I have been married to “Clyde” for 35 years. As far as I know, he has always been faithful. I just learned he propositioned my 47-year-old daughter while we were visiting her for the weekend, and I am stunned. “Della” was 11 years old when I married Clyde, and he is the only father she has ever known. She was devastated by this, and so am I.

I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive my husband. I talked it over with a couple of friends. One said Della could be lying and I should not mention this to Clyde. The other said I ought to confront him immediately.

Clyde had a mild stroke two years ago, and I asked his neurologist if that might explain his bizarre behavior. The doctor said that my husband knew exactly what he was doing and that I should let him know I am aware of the incident. I believe Clyde would deny that he came on to Della, but the doctor said a marriage counselor could sort out the truth from the fiction.

After Della told me about the incident, I said nothing to Clyde, but I did treat him differently. Since that day, he has never spoken my daughter’s name, which leads me to believe he is indeed guilty.

Della has two daughters, 20 and 22, and now I am afraid to leave them alone with Clyde. They always have loved him so much it would kill them to find out about this. Do you have any words of wisdom for me? - Palm Desert, Calif.

Dear P.D.: I cannot explain why, after all these years, Clyde suddenly made a pass at his stepdaughter. Given the ages of his granddaughters, I don’t think you need to worry about their safety. They probably would give him a clop in the chops, which would be richly deserved.

I suggest that you and Clyde see a counselor together. Meanwhile, please stop shopping your intimate family business around to friends. The doctor was OK, but this sort of information should remain in the family. Now you must decide whether or not you want to stay married to Clyde in light of his reprehensible behavior.

Dear Ann Landers: Divorce laws in Texas stink. Here, it is possible to get married without a blood test, and no one cares if one party has a sexually transmitted disease. But a divorce can drag out for a year or longer because of our mealy-mouthed judges.

In one case I read about recently, a 7-year-old girl caught her mother in bed with a man. She told her father. He had his wife followed and learned that she was, in fact, involved with several men. He filed for divorce and was granted temporary custody of the little girl.

Not long after the suit was filed, the wife had a baby and told the judge she did not know for certain who the father was. Then, she let another man (unemployed) move in with her. The husband was ordered to pay $700 a month in child support for a child who may not be his, plus the mortgage and the wife’s living expenses. He was cautioned not to date other women. The wife is the guilty party in my opinion and should get nothing. What do you think? - A Disgusted Texan

Dear Texan: People must pay more attention to the judges they elect and complain vociferously about lousy appointments. Entirely too many morons are sitting on benches these days.

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