Advice Needed
This just happened today, and I’m overwhelmed. I’m using a throwaway because I promote my small business on my main account and want to remain anonymous.
Here’s some background: I’ve been with my husband for five years, and we’ve been married for two. Early in our relationship, I became close friends with his older brother, partly because I always wanted a sibling.
When his brother started dating someone about two years ago, I went out of my way to make her feel welcome. As the only other woman in the family, I wanted her to know she had a friend in me. Over time, we became great friends, and when they got engaged three months ago, she asked me to be a bridesmaid.
Today, we went wedding dress shopping and had an amazing time. We had brunch, some mimosas, found the dress, and went back to their house to celebrate. A little while later, I found myself alone in the kitchen with my brother-in-law. He said he needed to tell me something because it had been eating away at him.
I was a little buzzed and confused, but I was not prepared for what he said next:
“I think I’ve had feelings for you for a few years, and I’ve never been able to tell you. I just needed to know if you ever felt the same.”
I froze. Completely. I shook my head and told him, “No. I’ve never thought about you in any way other than as a friend and a brother, and I never would.” Before he could say anything else, I bolted. I went back to his fiancée and the other girls and discreetly told them I wasn’t feeling well because of my period. I said I’d have someone pick me up and would return soon for more wedding planning. She didn’t think anything of it.
I called my best friend, who came to get me and dropped me off at home. My husband is working right now, but there’s no question—I’m going to tell him everything as soon as he gets home.
But after that, I don’t know what to do.
- Do I tell his fiancée?
- Do I make him tell her?
- Should I let it go and hope he keeps his distance?
- Should my husband handle this?
I’ve never been in a situation like this, and I have no idea how to proceed. If anyone has been through something similar or has advice, I’d really appreciate it.
