Kwame Anthony Appiah, writing as the Ethicist, addresses a dilemma from a reader whose best friend is having an affair with a married man. The reader feels burdened by the secret, especially since another close friend is loyal to the man's wife. Appiah advises that, while the wife may have a right to know, the duty to disclose lies with her husband, not the confidant. He suggests that the reader's primary obligation is to her best friend, and breaking that trust would be a serious betrayal. Instead, the reader should be honest with her friend about her discomfort and encourage her to confront the consequences of her actions. Ultimately, whether to remain silent or speak up should be a carefully considered decision, not an act of avoidance.

The column also features responses to a previous question about managing a houseguest amid marital and political tensions. Readers and Appiah agree that the deeper issue lies within the marriage itself, and that counseling may be necessary. The practical advice is to avoid hosting the guest at home to prevent discomfort, but the larger challenge is addressing the underlying marital discord.