I recently helped my dad set up a personal email account. A few days ago, he...

I recently helped my dad set up a personal email account. A few days ago, he said he couldn't get into it, so I tried myself because I saw his password. I wasn't trying to snoop, but I found a copy of an email he had sent to a woman from a nearby town who wants to have an affair.

He wrote back to her, telling her all about himself, but saying that they would have to be careful because he is married. My parents have been together for 22 years, and my mom doesn't know a thing. I am so close to my mom and I feel horrible every time I see her or think of her now.

I still live at home, (I'm 18) and I know if I told my mom, her live would be completely upheaved, along with mine--we would have no house, and my mom doesn't have her own job right now. I don't know what to do, I'm so confused. Please tell me what you think.

PRINT THAT E-MAIL, OR FORWARD A COPY TO YOUR E-MAIL INBOX AND TELL YOUR MOM.

Every potential tragedy isn't tragic. Once your mom knows, she will then have the opportunity to think about how she wants to proceed.

All relationships/marriages go through ups and downs. Unfortunately, the possibility of either spouse having an affair is always there.

After being married 22 long years, your mom and dad's marriage seems to have the stuff that will be able to overcome this obstacle.

Remember, he and the other woman may not have met yet, and they may not ever meet. Encourage your parents to seek marriage counseling if they can not work things out amongst themselves.