I married a guy somewhat older a few years ago. In some ways he is a wonderful man. He has been very kind and generous with my whole family (I'm from a poor background) and he professes to love me very much. In other ways, I am very unsatisfied with my marriage. My husband isn't very intelligent and he has developed a dependence on prescription pain killers following a car accident. He works hard at the business his father started 40 years ago and doesn't want to confront the fact that he is addicted because he will probably have to stop working if he can't manange his pain.

Meanwhile, I've met a wonderful person who makes me laugh and feel marvelously excited about life. We spend at least 4 hours a day together and I've never gotten bored. The more distant I feel from my husband, the more drawn I feel to my new friend. It's not a physical attraction (but not because of any inherent ugliness). I'd say its more emotional and intellectual.

I don't want to have an affair, but I feel as if sooner or later I will end up leaving my husband so I'm just delaying the inevitable and might miss out on the chance to be with my soul mate. At the same time, I don't want my husband and kids to think that I am leaving because I am an adulterer. My dad left my mother for a younger woman and I've never forgiven him.

What should I do?