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Monday, November 9, 2026Nov 9

Dear Abby: I feel betrayed by my mother’s intimate relationship with woman

Hand writing
Hand writing Hand writing

DEAR ABBY: My mom turned 60 last month, and I hosted a party at her house for friends and family. As things were winding down, I took a break from cleaning up to look over the birthday cards from well-wishers that were displayed on a living room table. Among them was a big, gorgeous card from “Cassie.”

As I read the message she had written inside, my jaw dropped. While not pornographic, her message made clear that she and Mom have an intimate physical relationship that has been going on for a while.

I have not discussed the card with Mom, but I suspect she knows I saw it. Lately, I have canceled our weekly lunches together. I don’t have anything against gays; I believe they are entitled to a love life just like the rest of us. But in this case, I can’t help but feel betrayed. Mom was married to Dad for 32 years, bore him three children and seemed happy. Was this all a lie?

– DUMBFOUNDED DAUGHTER

DEAR DAUGHTER: Some people are bisexual, which means they can be attracted to people of both genders. Your mother may have had a very happy marriage, and then she met Cassie. If she is no longer with your father, it is not a “betrayal” of anyone.