My sis-in-law is
tempting my husband

Dear Tita,

My husband Joe and I were very close to his younger brother Lino and his wife Mely. We would often go out together and enjoy ourselves with our kids. If Lino had any problems, Joe was always there to help him. One day Lino told us the bad news – he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was a shock for us because Lino had always seemed to be in good health.

We tried to help him with his medical bills as Joe and I were both working and Lino’s wife Mely could not go to work since she had to take care of their three kids. Lino’s health deteriorated until we realized he didn’t have much time left. On his deathbed, he asked Joe to look out for his family and Joe promised to do so. Lino died peacefully a few hours later.

After Lino’s death, we tried to fulfill Joe’s promise to his brother. But without her husband, Mely could not cope with all the responsibilities and she told us she was being evicted out of their apartment for non-payment of the rent. We asked her about the money Lino left her and she said it was all gone. We decided to let Mely and their kids stay with us. At first, everything went fine but as the months went by, I began to notice how close Mely was becoming to my husband. She started wearing make up and tight-fitting clothes even at home.

Whenever Joe came home from work, Mely was the first to greet him and chat with him. She would laugh at all his jokes (even the ones she had heard before). Joe was obviously flattered with all this attention and didn’t notice how Mely was coming on to him. I felt angry inside but didn’t say anything. When I could no longer stand it, I told Joe to stop giving Mely so much attention. He was surprised and said there was nothing wrong with what he was doing as there was no malice between them.

This has been eating me up for a long time now. I want to tell Mely to leave our home but I know Joe feels sorry for his brother’s family and he is bound by his promise to Lino.

RESENTFUL WIFE

Dear Resentful Wife,

Hidden resentments can fester like a volcano until the time comes when it finally explodes. Don’t wait for this to happen in your own home. You should have a talk with Joe and tell him what is happening. Sometimes men are so dense about women coming on to them. Women are more perceptive about these things.

There must be a way for Mely to be on her own with her kids. She can start looking for a job so she can stand on her own and not be too dependent on Joe.

TITA

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