DEAR ABBY:

My mother is a widow and is in a relationship with a man. One day after they went out, I noticed he left his phone behind. I know it sounds awful, but I snooped around and found out he was texting another woman. He calls her “gorgeous,” offers to bring her food, wishes her “sweet dreams,” sends her photos of himself, etc.

I always knew mom could do better, and I had my suspicions about this guy. I’m very protective of her. She’s been through so much. What do I do with this information? If I tell her, I’ll be ashamed I even looked. Please help. — SNOOP IN MISSOURI

DEAR SNOOP:

You MUST tell your mother what you did and found out. Don’t describe it as “he’s cheating” because you don’t know for sure. Just state the facts and then let her investigate and come to her own conclusions.

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

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