DEAR ABBY: My wife and I were married 21 years ago. Since then, she has admitted to cheating with 10 different men. Each time, I stayed with her, hoping sheโd change. I finally left 3 1/2 years ago because I couldnโt take it anymore. She became homeless, but for the past year and a half she has been living with my daughter and me because I saw her on the street one day and she looked terrible.
We are now moving, and my daughter wants her mother to get a job (sheโs capable of getting one). My ex refused to get one to help pay the bills. Now Iโm faced with another dilemma: Should I let her go on her own or fight for her to stay with us? My daughter is completely against her living with us. My income is limited. Iโm on disability for a bad heart. My ex is 43, and Iโm 58. Can you please advise? โ NOT LOOKING BACK IN COLORADO
DEAR NOT LOOKING BACK: Your daughter is right. You are disabled and on a limited income, and your ex-wife is able-bodied. With her out of there, your expenses will be lower. Nowhere in your letter did you mention that you still love this parasite, nor did you mention whether she has changed her ways. Your responsibility for her ended when the marriage did. Encourage her to reach out to her relatives for a place to stay, or guide her to a shelter. But not only should you let her go, you must find the strength to insist upon it.
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Literally made for the streets.
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