"I'm a 61-year-old single man. I'm disabled and, until their passing, lived with my parents. About 25 years ago, my parents and I became friendly with a woman I'll call her M and her husband, P, through activities at our church. After my father passed away, M invited me to lunch. She knew I was alone and grieving, and kindly offered me some company."
"Over time, we met for lunch several times sometimes just the two of us, other times with another church member, and on a few occasions with our pastor. P was always aware of these meetings and even joined us when he could. There was never any secrecy, and I have remained on good terms with P throughout. The problem is that my girlfriend believes I had a romantic relationship with M."
A 61-year-old man describes a long-standing church friendship with a married couple and increased contact with the woman after his father's death. The woman offered companionship during grief, and lunches sometimes included others or the husband, with no secrecy and ongoing good terms with the husband. The man's girlfriend suspects a romantic relationship and consulted friends who agreed with her, despite the man's assurances of a platonic bond. Visiting homebound or grieving church members is a common, voluntary practice. Jealousy may be influencing the girlfriend's interpretation, and she should reflect on her feelings and the transparent context of the visits.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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