Dear Abby: My life is stuck because I’m still in love with a woman who married someone else
A person remains emotionally attached to a woman who lied, led them on and later married someone else, and says they cannot move past the relationship even after many years.
Liam Carter 
It is a heavy burden to carry, but some readers find themselves paralyzed by past heartbreak. In a recent submission, a reader writing as Abandoned in Arizona shared their struggle with being unable to move on from a woman who lied and led them on before eventually marrying someone else. Despite the passage of years, they remain trapped in a cycle of what-ifs and emotional mourning.
Finding a path forward
Abigail Van Buren offers a blunt reality check for those stuck in the past. Comparing the situation to her own youthful celebrity crushes, she notes that pining for someone unavailable is a choice that ultimately wastes precious time. Her advice is clear: if you are serious about overcoming lingering pain, it is time to seek professional support. Consult your physician or insurance provider to find a licensed psychologist who can help you put in the concerted effort required to actually move forward.
Navigating complex relationship webs
The challenges of modern romance extend to those tangled in long-term, non-committal situations as well. A reader identifying as TORN IN WASHINGTON reached out regarding a 30-year attachment to a man who refuses to commit, while simultaneously balancing a 15-year relationship with the father of their youngest child. The advice for this reader is equally direct: if these men haven't committed to marriage after this much time, they are unlikely to do so now. To build a truly stable future, the reader is encouraged to stop treading water and seek out someone who is both available and ready for a serious partnership.
For more relationship guidance, you can catch up on the latest Dear Abby columns or explore other advice columns curated for 205focus.com readers.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
