Patricia Marie,
One of my friends has recently set up a joint account and is planning on renting a house with someone she met on the internet six months ago. He seems nice enough but my husband and I have noticed he has some serious money issues and lies a lot, for example, when he told her he has never been engaged before when in fact he has. He has become friends with my husband and tells him things that are different to what he tells her. She is completely in love with him and is planning their entire future, oblivious to his financial situation.
I don't know what I should do. I can't tell her anything my husband has told me about him as I don't want to spoil their friendship or be in the middle. Also, I'm worried it's none of my business. However, I'm struggling to sit back and do nothing when I'm worried he might hurt her. Or am I just overreacting and should ignore it? Please help. Thank you.
Patricia Marie says...
You are concerned that you don't wish to jeopardise your husband's friendship with this man, yet they have only known each other for a few months, and in this time he has lied about both personal and financial matters, so perhaps discord between them is preferable, to protect your friend from making a huge mistake with him.
However, please remember, your friend is in love with this man, and may be in denial if told something she doesn’t wish to believe. Rather than being seen as a caring friend for disclosing this information, you might be construed as a troublemaker, which could cause you great anguish, despite your good intentions.
Although I do understand your wish to enlighten, you may risk your friendship in the process. Nevertheless, you could have a candid discussion with her, and explain how worried you are that she is verging on a huge commitment with a man she barely knows. Suggest she checks his authenticity, and particularly the personal facts he has communicated to her. If she shows resentment at your suggestion, be prepared to let her find out the truth for herself. Some of the best lessons ever learnt are those we learn from our mistakes and failures. After all, the error of the past can be the success and wisdom of the future.
It is possible that this man may have no ulterior motive, other than perhaps retaining information for fear of being misjudged by your friend. If it should prove that he has been manipulating the truth, is not to be trusted, and the relationship does crumble, continue to be there for her, and she will see that you are very much a friend she can depend on.
Patricia Marie, our Agony Aunt, wants to hear your problems, dilemmas, and quarrels. Just email them to patricia.marie@lady.co.uk