Dear Abby: Lonely wife warns about having an affair

DEAR ABBY: A couple of years ago, my husband of 30 years became distant. He didn't want to touch me, talk to me or spend time with me. I was devastated.

An old boyfriend emailed me to offer condolences on the death of my brother. There were just chatty emails at the beginning. The emails started becoming more intimate, as I was fed by his seeming "love" for me. He told me I was his "soul mate" and I fell for it. I took risks to see him, eventually slept with him and lied to everyone I know in the process.

Recently my husband came across an email from the boyfriend. My secret was out and the truth was ugly. I had betrayed God, my husband, my mother and my four beautiful children. My husband no longer trusts me and wants a divorce.

Abby, please tell your readers to think long and hard before acting out of loneliness. It doesn't just affect the couple; it also impacts the entire family, friends and standing in the community.

- Adulterous Wife in Florida

DEAR WIFE: How sad you didn't get to the bottom of your husband's distancing before it led to you having an affair. But before you allow your husband to place all the blame on your shoulders, you should make it your business to learn the reason for HIS behavior - since "everything" is now out in the open.