Knock off flirting with woman at the gym

DEAR AMY: I have been married for 27 years. I work out with a few ladies at a local gym. I have become close with one of the ladies at my gym; she has been married for 17 years. Lady Friend tells me intimate things about her sex life regarding her husband. Lady Friend does not feel loved or appreciated by her husband. I have confided in Lady Friend about my marriage, too, but I don't go into details about my sex life. My wife knows I am friends with this lady, though I don't share every detail with my wife. Lady Friend and I send text messages back and forth, on occasion, all day long. Lady Friend takes an interest in a few other men at the gym. Lady Friend has hinted about meeting me outside the gym. Is it wrong for me to continue being friends with this lady since we are both married? Should I back off?

--Anonymous

DEAR ANONYMOUS: My question to you is, do you spend any time at all on the elliptical machine? Or is your relationship with your "Lady Friend" the only way you elevate your heart rate during these so-called workouts?

I don't know if Lady Friend sees you as more than a friend.

So let's talk about you.

You and Lady Friend are acting like true "gym rats." This is cheesy and sleazy, and you know it's wrong. So knock it off. Recommit to your marriage - and your workouts.

DEAR AMY: This is in response to "Grateful Niece," who thinks the job of aunts and uncles is to correct the behavior of their nieces and nephews by means of gift-giving that will "teach them a lesson." The relatives who let me know they loved me without conditions gave me space to develop into a more openhearted and loving adult. They set an example, rather than use their irritation to punish me.

--Another Grateful Niece

DEAR NIECE: I agree with this more patient approach.