February 5, 2022 Issue, Page 5 of 8

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February 5, 2022 Activities 5 Former spouses ready to try again after 16 years GEORGIA use other substances. I should Dear Abby mention I am of legal drinking DEAR SECOND CHANCE: age. DEAR ABBY: I reconnected No one can decide FOR you How can I convince my fam- with my ex-husband, “Liam,” whether you and Liam should ily that I will stay off drugs a year ago, 16 years after our try to reconcile “when the time while drinking socially? I know divorce. (We hadn’t seen or is right” -- which I assume they want what’s best for me, talked to each other during means when he is divorced but I don’t want to feel left that time.) He’s remarried with from his current wife. I can of- out of family events or have four kids; I am single with two fer this advice: As appealing as to end friendships, which feels kids. We got married when we the idea may seem right now, extreme. -- RESPONSIBLE SO- were young, but we’re now in do not do it until you have had CIAL DRINKER our early 40s. We know what joint counseling with a licensed we want or don’t want in a marriage and family therapist DEAR RESPONSIBLE: While partner, and know what we to resolve any lingering issues your family is well-inten- will/won’t put up with, etc. that “might” crop up. tioned, I agree their thinking Liam is still legally married, Also, if Liam is really con- they can maintain your sobri- and I have been single for a templating offloading his ety “for” you by deciding what year. He and his wife have been current missus, he needs to you may and may not drink on separated almost two years. consult an attorney who spe- their premises is extreme. And the decision of who you can We have been intimate, which cializes in family law so he will safely socialize with should be I feel has brought us closer be fully prepared for the battle made by you. together. We are very compat- that’s sure to lie ahead. This is an important subject ible. We get along well, have you should discuss with your the same religious beliefs and DEAR ABBY: I had substance sponsor or the administra- we’re both vegetarians. We had abuse problems in the past. I tors of your substance abuse a long talk about our future a have been in a rehabilitation rehabilitation program. Please few days ago and whether we program for a while now, and don’t wait to do it. Not know- should try to get back together. have been sober for more than ing you personally, I cannot Both of us feel the same way. a year. I would like to continue -- and should not -- advise you We’re still very much in love my sobriety and feel I could further than this. with each other after all these stay sober from drugs and still years. drink socially. My family is Dear Abby is written by Abigail Should we try to get back against me drinking at all, even Van Buren, also known as Jeanne together when the time is though alcohol is plentiful at Phillips, and was founded by her right, or should we leave the their holiday get-togethers. mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact past behind us and let it go? They also don’t want me social- Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com Crossword Any advice is greatly appreci- izing with friends who drink at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, ated. -- SECOND CHANCE IN all, even if these friends don’t CA 90069. Current puzzle answers Get Fuzzy Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield Dilbert