A father faces a difficult decision as tensions rise between his wife and daughter. The daughter, identified as "Violet," lives two hours away and has a strained relationship with her mother. Violet has been described as a rebellious and independent child, contributing to family conflicts. Recently, she reconciled with her father after a period of estrangement.

Violet invited her father to lunch to celebrate his birthday. However, when he shared the invitation with his wife, her response was less than supportive. She said, "Do what you want," but her tone and expression suggested disapproval, implying that attending the lunch would lead to consequences.

The father has attempted to mediate between the two women he loves but has not seen success. His wife claims to love Violet but admits she does not like her. Meanwhile, Violet has expressed that she blames her mother for her PTSD, which she has not officially diagnosed, and wants to distance herself from her.

Caught in the middle, the father is unsure whether to accept his daughter's invitation or decline it to avoid upsetting his wife. He worries that attending the lunch could be seen as a betrayal by his wife, while rejecting the invitation might alienate his daughter once again.

In response to the father's dilemma, advice suggests that the wife should not use him as a means to punish Violet. It is recommended that Violet seek a proper diagnosis for her mental health issues. Before the birthday lunch, the father is encouraged to consult with a doctor for referrals to specialists in PTSD treatment. During the lunch, he should express his love for Violet and emphasize the importance of family unity, potentially offering her names of professionals who can assist her.

Additionally, family counseling for all three may be a beneficial option to address the underlying issues.

In a separate letter, another individual shares her experience of reconnecting with a high school sweetheart. Both were married at the time, but circumstances changed when his wife passed away from cancer, and she later divorced. They have been intimate and spent significant time together, but she feels he is not ready for a new relationship. She is uncertain whether to wait for him to heal or to move on.