The Affair Nobody Talks About…Except Us

Dear Abby,

I work in a mid-sized office where most people get along well, but lately there has been an uncomfortable situation that many of us have started to notice. Several coworkers and I suspect that our boss may be having an affair with one of the women who works here.

Of course, none of us have proof, but there are a lot of signs that make people talk. They often arrive at work together in the morning, disappear for long lunches, and seem unusually close in meetings. Other employees have noticed them whispering or leaving the building together during the day. It has gotten to the point where many people in the office feel awkward about it, and the gossip is becoming hard to ignore.

What bothers me the most is that our boss is married, and we have all seen pictures of his wife and family around the office. I feel bad thinking that she might have no idea what is going on. On top of that, the woman involved appears to be getting special treatment at work easier assignments, more flexibility with her schedule, and a lot of praise compared with the rest of us.

Part of me feels that it would be wrong to stay silent if his wife is being deceived. I have even thought about sending her an anonymous message to let her know what people in the office are seeing. At the same time, I worry that getting involved could cause more trouble than it solves, especially since I don’t know the full truth.

Should I mind my own business and stay out of it, or do I have a responsibility to speak up somehow?

Sincerely,
Concerned in Illinois