Girlfriend wonders how to exit abusive relationship
Dear Amy: I have a newly widowed, wealthy friend, "Sharon," who started dating "Michael," just two months after her husband died.
Sharon, who is 59, is MADLY in love with 72-year-old Michael, who comes from much more modest circumstances.
Sharon is acting like a teenager. She says that she wants to spend every minute with Michael. She is ignoring her grandchildren (on whom she used to dote), and openly planning a future with Michael, although they only started dating two months ago.
He has been divorced for as long as she was married. At 72, he is still working at a government job, so at least he is employed (but must really need money, if he hasn't retired).
Sharon was boy-crazy and had a reputation for dating bad boys in high school, but we all assumed she'd outgrown it after 35 years of marriage!
Her friends and family are stunned and worried.
Is there anything we can do to bring her out of her obsession with being in love?
-- Worried Friend
Dear Worried: First of all, "Michael" might still be working because he is good at his job, and loves to work. It isn't helpful to make assumptions about someone about whom you have no personal knowledge. Please don't speculate about his motivations.
"Sharon" is an adult and has the right to engage in relationships with anyone she chooses, regardless of what you (and others) think. Remember that she has recently been through the loss of her longtime spouse. She may be bouncing too quickly, but many people respond to loss in this way.
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