Miss Manners: Old love letters lead to bad ideas

DEAR MISS MANNERS: While cleaning out my mom’s attic after she passed, I found love letters from my old girlfriends from 50 years ago -- well before I married my wife of 40 years. I read the letters and then tossed them, as I really didn’t want my wife or kids to see them.

I’ve had a great life, but have always held these women in my heart, as they were all special. Would it be inappropriate to send them a hello after all these years to see how they’re doing?

There is no ulterior motive. On the other hand, I’m not sure how I’d respond if an old beau contacted my wife, hence my hesitation. By the way, I don’t do social media.

GENTLE READER: It is your own conscience -- and not etiquette, Miss Manners assures you -- that should determine whether or not you contact these women. Because etiquette will definitely not help get you out of trouble if you do.

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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)