How Do I Respond To THIS Soap Opera Drama?

[AKL_Megs]

About a month ago, I got back in touch with a co-worker who I was very close to, but lost touch with. We were sort of like "workmom" and "workdaughter" (I am 26 to her 60.) We've been sending short emails back and forth, trying to catch up. I hadn't heard from her in a couple weeks, but I just now got an email from her and have NO idea how to respond to it.

She went on to tell me about how she just got back from Mexico (her DH is working in Mexico at this time), and while she was there, she found out that her DH is cheating on her with a Mexican woman with a 9-year-old daughter, and he is paying for the DD to go to a good school. She said, "I can't believe this is happening again." (So... apparently, he's cheated before. How I would know that, I don't know.) She went on to say she is in shock, wishes she knew nothing about it, and has no idea what to do now.

THEN, (as if I didn't have enough personal soap opera information already), she went on to tell me that she will be headed to Las Vegas at the end of next month as her son is expecting his own son... and by the woman who broke up his marriage to ANOTHER woman.

What the heck am I supposed to say in response to THAT!

"So sorry your husband is a complete loser, leave him now before ALL of your money is gone! Oh, and congrats on your grandson!"

 

[SNylund]

Probably just sorry to hear that hope you can work it out. Congrats on the grandson. No need to give advice if you don't want to.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Say nothing about it. I'd leave the email for a couple of days to be honest. Right now she is just venting and your email was a way to let out the steam to someone not close to the relationship.

In a couple of days, reply with something about it sounds like alot is going on your life right now. Be sure to take care of yourself first and always look out for yourself or something generic like that. If you aren't comfortable with the personal information she has shared, don't go further with any conversation about it.

 

[shirleyb]

Say nothing about it. I'd leave the email for a couple of days to be honest. Right now she is just venting and your email was a way to let out the steam to someone not close to the relationship.

In a couple of days, reply with something about it sounds like alot is going on your life right now. Be sure to take care of yourself first and always look out for yourself or something generic like that. If you aren't comfortable with the personal information she has shared, don't go further with any conversation about it.

I agree, this is good advice.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I am in the say nothing camp. It sounds like a "vent" that does not require a response.

 

[Disney Doll]

This is one of those Jerry Springer-like episodes that I would not get myself involved in.

I agree with a generic "Sounds like a lot going on, sorry for all you're dealing with right now" and leave it at that.