I have been married for 15 years to the sweetest man in the world. We love each other, we like each other and I feel truly fortunate.

I recently talked to some co-workers about marriage, and they asked me what I would do if my husband left me. I told them I trust my husband completely, and I know he would never leave me.

I was then informed I am living in a fairy tale and that my husband will eventually leave me. He has never cheated on me. I tried to explain that there are still some decent men in the world, but they refused to accept it.

Abby, I prefer not to live my life looking for negative things because I believe it taints relationships. I believe that, if I continue to view my marriage as blessed and wonderful, it will be. Why can't people allow others to be happy? -- Happily Married In Corpus Christi

Dear Happily Married:

Have you never heard the expression "misery loves company?" Some people are so dysfunctional the only way they can make themselves feel better is to make others feel worse. When they see a happily married couple, it reminds them that in some way they failed or chose someone who failed them.

You have a healthy, optimistic attitude and a successful marriage. Avoid your coworkers, live your life and let them wallow in their suspicion and discontent.

DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, Calif., 90069