Wife opposes contact with his old female friend

DEAR AMY: I have been married for 10 years. I had a female friend, "Betsy," immediately prior to my relationship with my wife. We never dated, but I suspect she was interested in the possibility. Once I started seeing my wife, this friend fell off my social radar screen. I had often wondered what became of her, and her name has popped up in conversations with my wife over the years.

Fast-forward 15 years. I recently ran into her. We had a lovely conversation and exchanged numbers. She is still single. I told my wife that I had run into her and that we exchanged contact information. My wife got offended and told me to "delete her." When I didn't immediately agree to this, she said I wasn't honoring her feelings. She said I should delete Betsy because she is still single and wasn't a "true friend." I think my wife would really like Betsy. I think this is an opportunity for us to have a new friend in our lives. She thinks you would say "delete" Betsy. I've never been unfaithful and have never given my wife any reason to suspect that I could be. What do you think? I'll do whatever you say.Modern Husband

DEAR HUSBAND: It is important for spouses to honor each other's feelings, but your wife isn't expressing a feeling - she is making a demand.

I agree with both of you. You should respect each other's feelings, and you should give friendship a chance. If you get to know Betsy as a couple, and if your wife gets a feeling in her gut that this person is a threat to your relationship, then, yes, you should honor her sensitivity.

DEAR AMY: Why on Earth would you tell "Hurt Teen" that dating is fun? Her parents are doing the right thing by preventing her from dating. Dating is never fun.So Hating Dating

DEAR HATING: Dating might not be fun for you, but love is grand. I highly recommend it.