I've kept in touch with an ex boyfriend over the years. We dated in high school briefly and we're now in our late 30's. The relationship is completely platonic and my husband is aware that we speak occasionally. The ex is currently having a very rough time, financially and emotionally, because he lost his mother and brother with about 1 & 1/2 years of one another. He literally has nobody to lean on. We've been speaking on the phone pretty frequently lately and he's confided to me that he's reaching the end of his rope and is seriously considering suicide. To make matters worse, he was recently fired and is now unable to pay his bills. My mom, who has always been a very generous person, has offered to send him some money, and is offering her house in Florida (which she only uses part time) to him while he attempts to make a fresh start. He has eagerly accepted her offers of help, and seems genuinely grateful and overwhelmed by her kindness. My problem is this: I don't want my husband to be hurt in any way by this, and I don't want him to get the wrong ideas about her offer. If the situation were reversed and it was HIS mom offering help to one of HIS exes, I think I would be kind of irritated! To further complicate things, my husband and I were considering a trip to FL this September, to my mom's place, but it seems my ex will be there at the time. I hate keeping "secrets" from my husband, but I will also sleep easier knowing my ex is getting some much-needed help. I'm just not sure how to be honest with my husband without upsetting him. I'm pretty sure he would be really mad if he thought our family's vacation plans were going to be interfered with by my ex. Any thoughts on how I might be able to smooth it over? Thanks in advance!

There's no trick to smoothing anything like this over. You need to get it out, honestly and openly and hope for the best.

He's obviously going to find out eventually, better to have him aware and ready, then blindsided. The not only will he just be irritated and maybe a little upset, but he'll feel betrayed and lied to.