Dear Abby:

After a dinner celebrating my nephew Will’s 25th wedding anniversary, he made a surprising announcement. He revealed that his wife had never truly loved him and that he had been in love with his stepbrother since he was a teenager. This news really hit him hard, especially since he had been completely supportive of his wife’s desire to be a stay-at-home mom while he earned a decent income.

Recently, Will met another woman through Facebook, and they’ve been dating for several months. She works as a certified nursing assistant and sports a large diamond ring from him. On social media, she frequently shares posts about her aspirations, with travel being a top interest. Just yesterday, she expressed excitement for upcoming cruise trips.

While I’m unsure about her earnings, it’s worth noting that she has several adult children, and she seems to post a lot of pictures showcasing her social outings. While this seems fine, I can’t shake the worry that she might be after his money, especially given his recent emotional vulnerability. Is there a way to advise him to be cautious without discouraging his happiness? – Concerned Aunt from Florida

Dear Auntie:

I might sound repetitive, but there’s wisdom in the age-old advice of waiting a year before making significant decisions after a major life change. In your nephew’s case, the end of his marriage counts as such a change. To someone new in his life, rushing into a serious relationship—symbolized by a diamond ring—may seem premature.

It wouldn’t hurt to bring this up with your nephew. He should consider premarital counseling before making any lifelong commitments, and it’s wise for him to consult a lawyer about a prenuptial agreement. (The attorney from his divorce might be a suitable choice.)

Dear Abby:

I’ve been married for over 20 years. This afternoon, my husband returned home and expressed gratitude to our neighbor, who invited him to dinner and helped with some gardening. Normally, I work in the afternoons, but I happened to be home today. When I asked if I had been included, he simply said, “No!” It really upset me, but I kept my feelings to myself.

A few hours later, when he spoke with his adult son about our evening, it felt like I didn’t even exist. When I pointed out that I was home and accompanied him, he replied dismissively, “I am.” I couldn’t help but feel blamed for not being invited, which made me think he had intentionally excluded me from the conversation.

Dear Mrs. Omission:

Your neighbor was inconsiderate to invite your husband without you. However, it seems like this incident may highlight a larger issue within your relationship. If this has become a pattern, it might be beneficial for both of you to speak with a marriage and family therapist. Your doctor or insurance provider could help you find someone suitable.

Dear Abby was created by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and has its origins with her mother, Pauline Phillips. To reach Dear Abby, please visit http://www.dearabby.com or write to PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.