A husband’s affair with a mutual friend has left one marriage reeling and a friendship in turmoil. While the wife has found a path to forgiveness, the news of a baby on the way adds a daunting new twist to an already fragile situation.

A concerned friend reaches out to “Dear Annie,” worried that political discord is damaging a once-healthy bond. They no longer want to tiptoe around conversations or feel they must compromise their values just to keep the peace.

A reader wrote to “Dear Annie” complaining that her friend’s phone has become a constant presence during face-to-face visits. When she finally voiced discomfort by calling herself a “third wheel,” her friend merely shrugged it off and claimed to be “multitasking.”