May 30, 2026 Issue, Page 5 of 12

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ACTIVITIES The Elk City News SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026 • 5 Longtime Friend May Want More Out of Relationship DEAR ABBY: I met “Maureen” lationship. What to do? -- HAPPILY has had a child with a married man deceased’s family are linked because 25 years ago, and we dated for a few DEAR ABBY IN FRIEND ZONE showing up at the man’s funeral, act- of the child. Whether a minor or an months. Since then, we have re- DEAR FRIEND ZONE: I can see ing as if they’re part of the family. adult, that child has lost a parent and mained friends in loose contact, mar- which seems to work in the moment. why this situation is making you un- The woman usually shows up with ried to and then divorced from other However, not long ago, she men- comfortable. What to do is revisit the a grown child, using the excuse that has a right to mourn and needs the partners. Four years ago, we began tioned in passing that her adult son conversation in which Maureen told she’s there for her child. If the child is mother to be there. The wronged wife talking and socializing more often. asked her whether we are secretly you her son said he thought you two a minor, I think they should sit quiet- can acknowledge or ignore the pres- I have made it clear that I’m not married. This suggests to me that ei- were secretly married and ask how he ly at a discreet distance from her lov- ence of the other woman, who may interested in a dating or romantic ther she isn’t clear with others about got that erroneous impression. Then er’s family, and if the child is an adult, relationship. In fact, I stopped dating the nature of our friendship or she tell her that if she has been implying to she should stay away entirely. be mourning the death of the man as nine years ago. I have never been able communicates hope for something others that your relationship is more The widow has had to tolerate much or more than his wife is. The to make a romantic relationship work more when she speaks with other than a dear and treasured FRIEND- enough of this woman and her hus- word from here is, in an uncomfort- successfully. We live in different states people. SHIP, she needs to stop because it will band’s affair and should be allowed able situation like the one you have but talk and text daily. We also vaca- The problem is, I don’t want to lose prevent her from meeting eligible to bury him in peace. As the “other tion together, and I consider her to be my friend by being too direct about men with whom she could build a ro- woman,” she has done enough dam- described, avoid creating a scene. a best friend. my observations and our boundaries, mantic relationship. It’s the truth, and age. If there are legal matters to set- Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Over the past year, Maureen has and I don’t want my silence to create she may need to hear it. tle, it should be done in private. Why Buren, also known as Jeanne Phil- been giving off subtle (and not-so- a false hope that we will become a does the mistress get to do wrong lips, and was founded by her mother, subtle) hints that she sees more than couple. Also, if my take on things is DEAR ABBY: I have witnessed and flaunt it? -- JUST A FRIEND OF Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby friendship in our relationship. I have accurate, she may be missing chanc- many events at funerals that shouldn’t THE WIFE downplayed her intimations and then es to date other men with whom she happen but seem to continue to hap- DEAR JUST A FRIEND: Whether at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box reinforced the friendship boundaries, has a chance to build a romantic re- pen. An example is a woman who you like it or not, the mistress and the 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. CROSSWORD Get Fuzzy CURRENT PUZZLE ANSWERS Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield