In a recent Dear Abby advice column published on December 27, 2025, a Canadian woman facing a serious health dilemma has revealed she is considering ending her four-decade marriage. The conflict stems from a decision her husband made two years prior that she believes placed her life in jeopardy.
A Deliberate Omission with Serious Consequences
The writer, who identifies herself as "Good Time Charlie's Wife," explained that her husband was informed just before a scheduled visit that their adult child's partner had tested positive for COVID-19. Despite knowing his wife's medical vulnerability, he chose to withhold this critical information.
The woman has multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition where viral exposures can lead to unpredictable and severe reactions. She and her husband had taken extensive precautions to avoid contracting the virus up to that point. Her husband's rationale, as he later admitted, was that he didn't consider it a "big deal" and feared she would cancel the visit, thereby "ruin[ing] it for everyone."
The Shocking Revelation and a Fractured Trust
The truth only emerged during the car ride to their son's apartment, when the son apologized to the husband, stating he "couldn't do it" and revealed his partner was actively sick with COVID-19. The wife was "shocked speechless" and confronted her husband privately afterward.
She describes feeling "perplexed and furious" that her husband prioritized staying on their son's "good side" over allowing her to make an informed decision about her own health. "His blatant disregard for my health, let alone his own... may be unforgivable," she writes, questioning if she is overreacting or if his behaviour is a major issue.
Abigail Van Buren's Stern Advice
Jeanne Phillips, who writes as Abigail Van Buren, offered a direct and serious response. She questioned whether this was a one-time lapse or a pattern of behaviour, and sharply criticized the husband's judgment.
"'Ruin the visit for everyone'? Your son's partner was in no condition to entertain," Abby wrote. "You are fortunate the visit didn't turn into a tragedy."
Her advice was unequivocal: "I think you should discuss this not only with your physician but also an attorney and take your cues from them."
A Second Plea: Escaping a Toxic Relationship
The same column featured a second letter from "Fed Up in Arizona," a mother seeking advice on leaving a three-year relationship with a boyfriend named Matt. She describes how Matt's jealousy of her close bond with her son has turned their home life miserable, with her son hiding in his room to avoid Matt's mean comments about her parenting.
Abby advised the woman that her boyfriend is unlikely to change his jealous behaviour and recommended she consult a lawyer, especially if they jointly own a house, to understand the steps to safely separate and move on with her son.
The Dear Abby column, founded by Pauline Phillips and now written by her daughter Jeanne Phillips, continues to address complex personal and ethical conflicts, with this edition highlighting the profound strains that health crises and family dynamics can place on long-term relationships.
