Dear Amy: "Sally" and I were friends on Facebook. We weren't close, but our husbands were pals and my husband would often help hers with projects. Sally tended to be needy and volatile, cutting people off when she disagreed with them.
Recently, Sally put a political post on Facebook and I responded to it in a way that she found offensive. She removed my comment. I then messaged her that I was sorry and asked if we could talk about it.
In response, she unfriended me and sent what I consider to be a very nasty message. I understand that she does not have to forgive me nor maintain any kind of contact.
Meanwhile, Sally's husband asked mine for help with some cabinetry in their new home and my husband spent the day working there.
That same day Sally (who I had not heard from), texted me in a friendly way.
My husband is supposed to go over there this week to work again on this project. I asked him not to go, but later I told him I was over this and would not interfere.
However, I cannot let it go. I keep thinking we both should take the high ground, but I don't think my husband should help them out after Sally attacked me.
Amy says: It is somewhat baffling that after your lengthy narrative, which is all about "Sally's" terrible behavior toward you, your problem isn't with her, but your husband. This whole time, he has been minding his own business. But now he has emerged as the problem.
Your conflict with Sally has nothing to do with your husband, or hers. The two men are friends. You and she never were.
Yes, you should take the high ground. In my opinion, the high ground would be where your husband is permitted to do something he enjoys doing with his friend without you trying to control him, while you continue to stay away from Sally. Ignoring her attempt to sweep this under the rug should give you some satisfaction, as this is evidence of you taking care of yourself and keeping your distance.
Alarming behavior
Dear Amy: I have been dating my guy for two years. We are very serious and exclusive.
This is the healthiest relationship I've ever had. I don't want to ever lose him.
The only issue is that he goes through spells where he constantly accuses me of talking to someone else. He says he isn't accusing me of "cheating," just talking to someone.
He says he has proof, but refuses to tell me why he is suspicious. I stopped using Facebook, except to message him, but then he said that was suspicious, so I went on Facebook more often, but now he thinks that's suspicious, too.
He says he is suspicious because I don't use my phone much around him, but I have no friends and he is the main person I talk to.
We live five hours apart and have gone from seeing each other weekly to only once a month. He stays on his phone for hours, saying it's business.
I have done everything I can think of to change and reassure him. I am almost 40 and have never cheated.
The way he goes on about this makes me wonder if he is talking to someone else.
Amy says: Your guy is gaslighting you. He is creating ever-smaller hoops for you to jump through, and he is isolating you and separating you from your own intuition and sense of proportion. This is alarming and controlling behavior. I am very sorry you are going through this, but this is very unhealthy. I hope you will regain your equilibrium and move away from this relationship.
Send questions to Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com.
