Dear Abby

Mom's motives for marriage are questioned by older man

DEAR ABBY: I am a 63-year-old man living with a 28-year-old woman. She has three children -- ages 2, 6 and 7. They live with us every other weekend. I have fallen in love with them. We are planning on getting married soon, and I want to be sure the kids are secure when I'm gone.

I have an erectile dysfunction problem. She says she doesn't care about sex, but I'm worried she will stray. I was 28 once, and that's all I thought about. I'm afraid she is marrying me for her own benefit -- the house, Social Security and my business.

I love her and her children dearly. She says she loves me, but I'm just not sure. Can you help me figure out what to do?

-- TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

DEAR TOO GOOD: If you have any doubts about marrying this woman, then you shouldn't do it. However, if you do decide to marry her, first discuss this with your legal adviser and be sure you have an ironclad prenuptial agreement.

As to providing for her little ones in the event of your demise, discuss that with a lawyer who specializes in wills and trusts and who can advise you about the best way to leave money/assets in trust for them after they have reached a certain age -- so the money can't be dissipated prematurely.

DEAR ABBY: Our parents have been dead for 25 years. Along the way, we have also lost sisters, nieces and cousins. Every year when we gather for a family reunion, part of it is a candle lighting and spoken remembrance of those loved ones we have lost. Some in my family get teary-eyed or cry.

My husband refuses to attend my family reunions because of this. He says my relatives have issues and need to see a mental health professional. He makes fun of us and the way we are together. I have a large family with many offspring. Do you agree we are "crazy" for the remembrance and the tears?

-- LOVES MY FAMILY IN GEORGIA

DEAR LOVES: No, I do not. During a ceremony such as you have described, tears can be a healthy display of emotion. However, I do think your husband's comments are insensitive and judgmental, and he's doing the right thing for everyone by staying away. Feeling as he does, far away is where he belongs.

DEAR ABBY: My wife, who is a Realtor, is upset because a couple of our best friends listed their home with someone else. My wife feels they should have had the decency to at least notify her that they were going to give the listing to another Realtor. My wife had sold them their home a few years ago. Your thoughts, please?

-- MIFFED IN MIAMI

DEAR MIFFED: No law says this couple was obligated to have your wife represent them. I suspect that they didn't inform your wife because they wanted to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. If she would like to know the reason they listed their home with someone else, she should ask them. It's possible the other Realtor offered services beyond what your wife does.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

NAN Profiles on 09/04/2015

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