Dear Abby: Gal pals against friend's open marriage

Dear Abby: I've been in an extramarital relationship for 10 years. My husband knows, and so do my close friends.

I love this man dearly, but neither of us want it to be full time. I have children at home and don't want to disrupt anything. We meet once or twice a week. He touches base with me several times a day, and is attentive where my husband never was.

My husband isn't bitter about the relationship anymore. However, my two closest friends continually say, 'Well, why lie to yourself? You know you just say you don't want things full time so you don't drive him away,' which isn't true. We have a great thing — we travel, we have long discussions, and I can open up to him without any repercussions, bouncing ideas and thoughts off of each other without judgment or criticism.

But I really DON'T want this to be full time. I enjoy it like I enjoy a good book and a glass of wine — not every day, but an indulgence and a pleasure. It also feels good to hear 'I'm thinking of you' first thing every morning and the last thing every night. I am flattered.

It feels horrible that my two best friends can't understand that I give of myself to my community and my family and need something that is just for me. I have reached the point where I don't want to have these discussions with my friends anymore, so I avoid them. How can I get across to them that I'm fine and happy and content?

— Just For Me

Dear Just: You say you are happy and content, and your husband is OK with the arrangement. Don't you think it's time you stopped trying to 'sell' the concept of open marriage to your women friends? By now it should be clear that they do not understand. They probably never will. Most people don't. Let it lie!