Ex-husband trash-talks about current girlfriend

DEAR ABBY: My ex-husband likes to call to ask me for advice. Our most recent conversation was in regard to his girlfriend and her sexual past, which he knew about before they started dating. He now disapproves of her history and he began calling her unpleasant names.

Hearing this sort of talk gives me a stomachache. I feel terrible for the woman. I want to be a friend to my ex, but I'm not sure I can handle the stress it causes.

— Wisconsin Reader

DEAR READER:The next time your ex starts asking you for relationship advice, tell him you don't like hearing the way he talks about his girlfriend. Explain that it makes you so uncomfortable that you prefer to avoid the topic of his love life. If he respects your wishes, continue taking his calls. If not, because you find them upsetting, refuse them.

DEAR ABBY: I was recently a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding. The bride gave all of us bridesmaids gifts after the reception that contained expensive gourmet chocolate candy.

When I went to open mine, I noticed the box had already been unwrapped and half of it had been eaten. I didn't say anything to the others or the bride because I didn't want to seem ungrateful. What should I do? n

— Bridesmaid in Tennessee

DEAR BRIDESMAID:Although it's unfortunate, I see no reason to bring it up now. Expensive or not, it's only a box of chocolates, and it appears someone may have bitten off more than they should chew.