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Some People Will Try Anything Once Dear Margo: My stupid sister is a struggling single mother of three daughters, ages 10 to 14. She has been twice married and divorced. She just lost her business, and her home is in foreclosure. Recently, she met a guy decorated with tattoos from …Read more. Running Around Need Not Be an Inherited Trait Dear Margo: This is not exactly a problem — yet. I am engaged to a great guy who only has eyes for me. My mother, though, is worried about my future, because for generations, the men in my fiance's (quite prominent) family have been well known …Read more. When Invitations Are Seen as Invoices Dear Margo: I recently accepted a position in a large office. I think it's very nice that people want to express their good wishes for events in co-workers' lives, but why do these people not understand the rules of good taste that accompany these …Read more. When Lopping it Off is the Best Thing To Do Dear Margo: I am an adult woman with three older brothers with whom I do not speak. My oldest brother has always treated me like an idiot child with nothing to say. He stopped even acknowledging my birthday nine years ago. My youngest brother only …Read more.
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Oh, the Things You Find Out Online

Dear Margo: I find myself in a predicament that I never in a million years would have predicted. I am a 25-year-old man who is married to a beautiful, committed wife. Recently, I was chatting online and met a guy. He was funny and quick-witted.

After a while we exchanged numbers and have talked for more than two hours every night since. Margo, I hate talking on the phone! Last night we were talking and laughing together, and after a moment of silence, I said, "God, I love you." I immediately apologized, but he said, "Don't." He said he has been fighting saying it, too.

Margo, we are both straight, and we both believe homosexuality is a sin. Neither of us knows what is going on. I haven't had any desire to spend time with my wife since this person came into my life. I only want to talk with "Matt." What is going on? — Dazed and Confused

Dear Daze: Let us recap: You "met" a guy online. You've been talking with him on the phone for two hours a night — and you hate phone conversations. You told him you loved him; he said he's been having the same thought. The two of you believe homosexuality to be a sin. Since you and cyber-friend "met," you have had zero interest in your wife.

These things would not, could not happen to a straight man. You are gay, my friend, though heavily repressed because … it would be sinful. I believe you and this other chap are so closeted that you've been hiding from yourselves. Because of your religious convictions, I am pretty sure there's an element of self-loathing, if only at the subconscious level.

I would suggest you seek professional help and guidance. Get the national number for GLBT counseling referrals.

And perhaps take a break from "Matt" until your identity question is settled, one way or the other. — Margo, startlingly

Try Reading the Tea Leaves

Dear Margo: I am 33 years old and head over heels in love with a guy who I think is great. The problem is that he drinks a lot and then picks fights with me, and the next day, he doesn't even remember the fight.

He recently got divorced, and I know from experience that it's a hard time dealing with everything. My family hates him and I think the feeling is pretty much mutual.

We live together, and finances are one of the things he picks a fight about. He thinks he's paying more of the bills than I am. The truth is, I am paying my half, but it seems he's paying more because he has bills from his marriage that he still has to pay.

I am at my wits' end about this whole situation. I don't want to leave him, but I can only handle so much more. — Jane in Illinois

Dear At: Run, Jane, run. If you evaluate the negatives about this guy you are head over heels in love with, chances are you might reorganize your thinking. This chap is most likely an alcoholic. It is bad enough to drink to the extent that you become belligerent, but quite something else not to have any recollection of it the next day. Your family doesn't like him for what seem to be valid reasons. (Sometimes families should be listened to. Do not ask me how I know this.)

In addition to his dependence on Jim Beam, he also has a chip on his shoulder about money. At the risk of being repetitive, marriage does not improve anyone's behavior. People are generally on their best behavior before the deal is closed. Caveat emptor. — Margo, warily

***

Dear Margo is written by Margo Howard, Ann Landers' daughter. All letters must be sent via e-mail to dearmargo@creators.com. Due to a high volume of e-mail, not all letters will be answered.

COPYRIGHT 2007 MARGO HOWARD

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.



Comments

6 Comments | Post Comment

Oh, Margo, Who appointed you God? To declare to this young man that he is Gay is a little over the top. This may or may not be true. Our thought lives play tricks on us. That does not mean things are set in stone. Because he has ''played'' with this man doesn't mean he absolutely is Gay. He may be having a mental dalliance. It doesn't mean he has to act on it or that he doesn't love his wife. He needs to examine his moral code and decide where to place his loyalty. All of us have temptations but I believe we have Free Will to decide to do the ''right thing''. He has committed to his wife and he needs to get off the computer and turn his attention to her. Love can renew itself with his cooperation. We don't have to be slaves to our passions.

Comment: #1
Posted by: Elizabeth Johnston
Sat Dec 29, 2007 8:31 AM

Margo, is it possible that "Things you find out online" is simply having a same-sex crush becoz this other man is so witty and fun to talk to? From what I read, they've never met in person, and sometimes you might meet someone and find that the wit doesn't translate well from online chat or phone calls. What if his "boyfriend" turns out to be unattractive-looking? I think before I'd label this man gay, I'd consider it just infatuation.

Comment: #2
Posted by: Bonnie Simpson
Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:09 AM

I'd have to second the above, there's apparently a lot more in the world than dear margo is aware of. We'd call it "New Relationship Energy". There's no reason he can't be in love with both! As a recently awakened bisexual man, I can say I know the feeling! :) :) :) Dazed: Try to keep a balance, and don't get caught up in the idea that it has to be one OR the other. Both AND is so much better. Maybe the three of you could attend a HAI workshop? www.hai.org

Comment: #3
Posted by: Dave VanHorn
Fri Jan 4, 2008 6:53 AM

I agree with the other posters here about new relationship energy, bisexuality, and the need not to wrap people up in tight, if colorful, packages....Christmas is over, time to throw away the wrap & face some gray areas...most people are bisexual to one degree or other, and furthermore there is only little support available for open relationships of the kind which would ease the discomfort that this letter writer is going to face, whatever he decides to do.

Comment: #4
Posted by: slyypper
Fri Jan 4, 2008 9:45 AM

Hi Margo. Re Dazed and Confused, you might find http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/resources/ak-hhscale.html interesting, and you might want to rent the movie "Kinsey". Phil

Comment: #5
Posted by: Phil
Fri Jan 4, 2008 10:02 AM

Margo, how can you have gotten this far in life without hearing about bisexuality? It's *possible* the guy is purely gay and totally repressed about it, but if he's had a longstanding, loving sexual relationship with his wife, I really doubt it very much. In addition to telling him about bisexuality, you might also have told him there's no law saying that he has to fall out of love with his wife when he makes a new romantic friend. Many folks are happily polyamorous: in multiple romantic relationships with the full knowledge and support of all those concerned/intertwined. If he and his wife are willing to reeducate themselves on these two points, and if his wife decides that she is willing to go along, there's no reason this can't have a happy ending all around. Many people have gotten to that place. He and his wife need to know that that's at least a possibility. They can start by typing the word "polyamory" into Wikipedia or Google.

Comment: #6
Posted by: alan7388
Fri Jan 4, 2008 10:17 AM
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