Revenge won't sweeten betrayal

DEAR AMY: My long-term girlfriend and I were best friends with another couple for more than 10 years. We were very close friends. Over the years, I came across little clues that my girlfriend and the man in this couple (my best friend) might be involved with each other, but I always trusted both of them. When I shared my suspicions with my girlfriend, she demanded that I apologize to my best friend for suspecting him. My best friend said he thought of us as "family." My girlfriend and I were godparents to this couple's child. One night she came home drunk, dropped a letter out of her purse and went to bed. The letter was from him. He said he loved her and couldn't wait until they were together. I told his wife about what I had come across and she was furious. Now my girlfriend and I have broken up. My best friend and his wife have separated, and the two of them are together. I have been in frequent touch with his wife, discussing everything that happened. She is attractive, and I have had thoughts about her. I'm wondering if two wrongs make a right. I know I'm not ready for another long-term relationship at the moment, but know that if I do sleep with her, she will take it as a start of a relationship. Would this revenge be sweet?

Wondering

DEAR WONDERING: I'm not sure if "two wrongs make a right." This always seems true until you try it. Then you're right where you were before -- sad and defeated, doubling down on your wrongs.

In your case, you would have the added pressure of trying to dodge a relationship with someone you should have a friendship with.

So here's another saying: "Living well is the best revenge." In this context, that means doing the right thing, even if you've been wronged.

If being cheated on makes you vengeful enough to willingly take advantage of someone you know is vulnerable, then the bad guys win.