Hi Pooja My husband and I were going through a tough time during the lockdown and I got in touch with an old friend. Both of us are married and have a history with each other. We knew each other since we were young. We got involved physically and although we are mature adults, we do long for each other. But there are kids and much as we'd want to be together, we can't afford to take this relationship forward. We have limited our communication but it is getting harder by the day because we do love each other. Is this normal? What do you generally advice someone in a situation like this? How do we deal with this situation better?

Ans: Hi Anonymous. The very fact that you have fallen in love outside the marriage is a strong indicator that your marriage isn't fulfilling or a relationship that is giving you the love you deserve. You can wither choose to consult a professional relationship/ marriage coach to help you rebuild the marriage or you would need to take a decision to move out of it. Staying in the marriage only because of your kids is doing injustice to them as well as children see and understand they are living with unhappy parents and they will eventually tell you not to. If you feel that you and your friend truly love each other, then have an honest discussion about next steps and if you are both ready to take it forward. There is nothing abnormal about falling in love with another person but where do you want to take the relationship to is a choice you will need to make, sooner or later.