DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, my husband was told that our adult child’s partner had tested positive for COVID two days before we were due to visit them. My husband – forever Good Time Charlie – chose not to inform me. Neither of us had COVID at the time. We have taken every precaution to avoid this.
I have MS which can react in unpredictable ways to viral exposures. My husband knows this very well, which is why I am confused and furious that he thought it best to “stay on our son’s good side” and not let me decide for myself whether I wanted to put myself in a potentially deadly situation.
I only realized the danger I was facing when our son, while driving us to his apartment, suddenly apologized to my husband saying he “couldn’t do it” and said his partner had COVID! I was shocked and speechless but kept my mouth shut until we were alone.
My husband said he didn’t think it would be a “big deal” since we wouldn’t be staying long and he knew I would come back from visiting and “spoil it for everyone”. He does not understand the issue and I am considering a divorce because he withheld information from me that could lead to a serious medical outcome for me.
Is his behavior as big of a problem as I think, or am I overreacting? We were married for 40 years, in a generally decent relationship, but married very young. His blatant disregard for my health, let alone his own, regardless of how any of us would react if we came into contact with COVID, can be unforgivable. do you agree — GOOD TIME CHARLIE’S WIFE
DEAR WIFE: Was your husband’s selfish lapse in judgment a one-time thing, or was he always like that? “Spoil everyone’s visit”? Your son’s partner was in no condition to have fun. You’re lucky the visit didn’t turn into a tragedy. I think you should discuss this not only with your doctor, but also with your lawyer and take cues from them.
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