Dear Margo,
I have two sons. My older son, "Randall," is unmarried. Last year, he had to give up his apartment when his lease ran out, so for several months, he lived with his younger brother, "Eddie," and his wife, "Gussie." I accidentally overheard a conversation and learned that Randall and Gussie were having an affair. I immediately told Eddie what was going on. He promptly confronted his wife and brother. They confessed everything. Now, all three of them are angry with me. Eddie finally has started to speak to me again after months of silence, but Gussie still won't talk to me. That doesn't bother me much because I never liked her. Meanwhile, Randall hasn't said one word to me since the affair. Was I wrong to tell Eddie about the affair? I couldn't bear to see my younger son being made a fool by his wife, and I didn't think it was right for Randall to be involved with her under any circumstances. It breaks my heart that my children are so upset with me. Is there any way to fix this? -- A Sorry Mom in Iowa

Yesterday's Response:

Dear Sorry Mom,
While your moral stance was understandable, you created a great deal of animosity, and it will take time to repair the damage. You owe an apology to Randall, Eddie and Gussie (even though you don't like her). I suggest that you drop a note to each of them and ask for forgiveness. This should serve as a lesson to you. Vow to carry no more tales. Sometimes, they kill the messenger.

Today's Response:

Dear Sorry Mom,
Ah, this is complicated. In the Bible of Ideal Behavior Within Families it says, "Mind thine own business." There is a strong instinct, however, to inform the person being wronged - especially if it is one's child. I totally understand the reasons for what you did - and I probably would have done the same. Now that it is done, however, you might as well apologize (because what do you have to lose?) and see if you can return to your sons' good graces. If that doesn't happen, well, I suspect you would do it all over again. I think I would've. Which brings me to an interesting point: MYOB notwithstanding (one of my mother's oft used suggestions), there is a strong instinct to pass on information you believe another person ought to know. Example: After Oprah moved to Chicago, she and my mother became friendly. When Mother learned something she thought Oprah ought to know, she called and told her. Oprah never spoke to her again. In that case, the messenger got killed ... just as you did, Sorry Mom. So, chins up, and remember that what's done is done. Life is like that.
- Margo