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DEAR ABBY: I broke up with my boyfriend a few months ago, but I’m still having a difficult time getting over him. I discovered he was responding to sexual messages from men and sending them pictures of himself, including his body parts. I feel this is the biggest betrayal any woman could experience, and keeping the truth from our mutual friends has been difficult.

When people ask me what caused the breakup, I have to deny the truth and tell them we just grew apart. Now I wonder if he ever loved me or was he just using me because I was the breadwinner while he stayed home. I keep wondering if all those times he claimed to be at the gym was he really there? Please help me. — BROKEN DIGNITY IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR BROKEN: That your boyfriend wasn’t honest about the fact that he was bisexual and unfaithful was, indeed, a betrayal. I also agree that all those times he claimed to be “at the gym” he was likely WITH “Jim.” That you supported him financially while he involved himself with others — regardless of their gender — was another betrayal.

You should be on your knees thanking your higher power you learned what was going on before you wasted more time (or money) on him. Quit covering for him by lying to your friends about what happened. You are not the first woman to fall for a cheater and you won’t be the last.

P.S. If you haven’t already contacted your doctor to be tested for STDs, the time is now.

DEAR ABBY: A close friend of mine hadn’t been feeling well. After seeing her doctor for a full day of tests she met up with me, and I listened to her concerns. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “God, I hope you don’t have cancer!” She became very upset because of my comment and made me feel guilty for even mentioning it. While I meant my remark to be more caring than callous, it backfired.

With cancer so prevalent in today’s society, when is it OK to talk about it? Is it something we tiptoe around and discuss only after a full diagnosis? I regret my words, and need to know how I can become a more caring, supportive friend. — OOPS, IN FLORIDA

DEAR “OOPS”: Cancer, like other illnesses that can be fatal, should be discussed when and if the person has the diagnosis, reveals it AND FEELS THE NEED TO DISCUSS IT.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to a wonderful man for 46 years. The only disagreement we have had during all this time is my hairstyle. Growing up, I had curly (kinky) hair, for which I was bullied and teased. I feel secure and safe when I straighten it. He loves it curly.

I feel insecure and sad when I try to make him happy. Because I feel so much better with straight hair, I don’t think I can honor his wishes. To some people, this may seem trivial, but it’s a major issue in our home. I would appreciate your advice. — “HAIR-DON’T” OUT WEST

DEAR “HAIR-DON’T”: My advice is, to thine own self be true. If you feel depressed and insecure with curly hair, then you should not feel forced to wear it that way. It’s your head and your feelings, and your husband will have to adjust and accept it.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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Chicago Bears News: A sudden big advantage for Week 1 by Ryan Heckman

Going to start this off with a brain teaser – How does a team make the playoffs twice in three years with the worst front office and seventh-worst coaching staff in the entire NFL? To find out, you might want to ask the Chicago Bears.

Despite making the playoffs two of the last three years, fielding All-Pros at every level of the defense, and drafting Justin Fields, ESPN has ranked the Chicago Bears front office dead last in the NFL.

My only question is – Has ESPN been covering a different Chicago Bears team than the one I’ve been watching for the past three seasons?

The way ESPN talks about the Bears, you would think they haven’t won a game since 2018 and don’t have a player worth talking about besides Khalil Mack who may as well be a “washed superstar” the likes of Demarcus Ware when he went to Denver.

The main concerns raised against the Bears in the article were: Limited cap flexibility, draft capital, and aging veterans. This combined with a need to provide Justin Fields with more help on the perimeter is apparently why the Bears’ future isn’t as bright as many fans seem to think.

Let’s start with limited cap flexibility. Even with all the contracts on the books, the Bears will have an estimated 50 million dollars in cap space next offseason. The only extensions they’ll need to worry about are Roquan Smith, David Montgomery, and potentially Allen Robinson if they decide to keep him around. So, with all that money available even after contract extensions, how would Ryan Pace not be able to get Fields more help on the perimeter?

With respect to draft capital, has Ryan Pace not shown the ability to identify high-quality starters in days two and three of the draft? In the two years following the Khalil Mack trade where he gave up two first-rounders, he has drafted David Montgomery, Jaylon Johnson, Cole Kmet, Darnell Mooney, and Kindle Vildor – all of whom have shown flashes and are slated to have big roles on a playoff-caliber roster very early into their young careers.

Lastly, ESPN completely missed the mark with their comments on the Chicago Bears’ “aging” defense. Yes, the cornerstones of the defense (Mack and Hicks) are “over 30” years old, but Mack is exactly 30 and Hicks is only 31. Last I checked, players are still capable of producing at a high level even after they turn 30.

Now I understand that the Robert Quinn contract was not Pace’s best move. Analysts and fans will look at the Robert Quinn contract as a reason to criticize Pace’s poor skills as a GM, but they forget Quinn was injured most of last season and that the Bears have an out from that contract next offseason if he continues to not perform.

Furthermore, the Chicago Bears have young talent beyond Eddie Jackson and Roquan Smith! Fans know Bilal Nichols, Eddie Goldman, Jaylon Johnson, and Kindle Vidlor make up a strong supporting cast to the two young stars which Pace will continue to bolster next offseason and upcoming drafts.

Related Story: ESPN’s future rankings are complete trash

However, as a Bears fan, I am used to the disrespect hurled by ESPN towards the Bears’ front office. It’s the inconsistent standards used to make this ranking that irritated me to no end and really highlights the bias against Nagy, Pace, and the entire Bears organization.

Once again, I want to reiterate that the Bears’ front office was ranked dead last in this ranking. That’s worse than the Texans who have an angry Deshaun Watson, no first-rounder next year, and absolutely no direction. It’s worse than the Jaguars who got lucky that Trevor Lawrence fell in their lap but have no track record of building a team. It’s worse than Philadelphia who couldn’t support Wentz and ultimately ruined him. It’s worse than Dallas whose best player on defense is one that hasn’t even taken the field yet (Micah Parsons). It’s even worse than the Lions who traded for Jared Goff’s contract and passed on Justin Fields in the draft.

However, no team’s ranking highlighted ESPN’s contradictory standards more than their ranking of teams and front offices than their placement of San Francisco at sixth overall and 14th front office. The Niners front office gave up three first-rounders for Trey Lance – what draft capital are they going to have to build around him? They handed Trent Williams a massive contract so where’s the cap space to acquire talent in free agency – not to mention the impending Fred Warner and Nick Bosa extensions.

Chicago’s front office was heavily criticized for putting themselves in a cap-strapped situation that will prevent them from building around Fields. Yet, while the Bears did trade one future first to move up for Fields – they owe him and Teven Jenkins, their left tackle of the future (hopefully), a combined 27 million over the next four years. I’m unsure of how it gets any better than this, but apparently giving a 32 year old left tackle 20+ million a year and spending three first-rounders on a less experienced college QB than every other first-round signal-caller signifies the savvy of an elite NFL organization and front office.

Ultimately, I’m not trying to argue that Ryan Pace and co. are among the five or even 10 best front offices in the NFL – they have their fair share of issues. What I am trying to articulate is that given his cap situation this offseason, he got the biggest bang for his buck. Additionally, that he has a history of identifying talented players late in drafts who Nagy’s coaching staff has developed, and lastly, that there was absolutely no justification for them to be ranked dead last in a “futures” power ranking. Especially, by a network that was as high on Justin Fields as anyone out there.

Next: 5 landing spots for Allen Robinson

So, to answer the brain teaser I started this off with – if a team truly does have the worst front office and 7th worst head coach in all of the NFL, that team would have been picking in the top five every season – not making it to the postseason two out of three years and adding a promising young QB to an already talented roster ready to win now.

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You might recall that in the early days of the pandemic last March, “Wonder Woman” star Gal Gadot enlisted the help of two dozen celebrity friends to sing “Imagine” from their various comfy locales — a well-intentioned but tone-deaf effort that garnered millions upon millions of views and thousands upon thousands of troll-mocks.

One imagines if the writer-comedian-director Bo Burnham had been asked to participate in that stunt, he would have said he’d rather stick his hand in a pot of boiling water. Burnham just might be the most self-aware performer on the planet — it seems as if he’s always commenting on his comedy even as he’s delivering it — and he spent much of the pandemic tucked away in a nondescript room, creating an ongoing one-man show combining original compositions, straight-to-camera-confessionals, stand-up comedy to a live audience of no one and music videos. The result is “Bo Burnham: Inside,” an intense and wildly entertaining and thought-provoking and sometimes exhausting Netflix special that garnered six Emmy nominations and is now getting a run in 400 theaters in the U.S. and Canada.

Even though “Inside” is an intimate, almost claustrophobic production set entirely in that one room (with one brief exception), my guess is it will actually play well on the big screen, as Burnham does a masterful job with lighting, editing and a dizzying array of homemade special effects, changing aspect ratios and varying camera angles. It’s just a guy and a keyboard and a microphone and his thoughts, but Burnham is an enormously gifted and singularly unique talent, who lets us inside in more ways than one as his hair and beard grow long and his feelings of isolation mount and he despairs at the state of the world — much like so many others felt over the last year.

From the get-go, Burnham pokes fun at the very notion of a wealthy, successful, popular white comedian making the quarantine all about himself, but rationalizes it by saying it’s the only thing he can do “while still being paid” and “at the center of attention.” It’s a Steve Martin-esque conceit that Burnham repeats throughout the special — but there’s also a very dark element, as he references wanting to put a bullet in his head and celebrates turning 30 by noting in 10 years he’ll be 40 and then he’ll kill himself.

In one bit, Burnham watches a video of a routine he’s just done, and comments on it. Then he comments on the commentary and comments on the commentary of the commentary, and so on and so on. He also delivers a scathingly accurate takedown titled “White Woman’s Instagram” that starts off funny but a little mean, but then takes a surprisingly emotional turn, as if Burnham is acknowledging this is low-hanging fruit and maybe he shouldn’t have been so quick to judge. Musical numbers titled “Welcome to Internet,” “Unpaid Intern” and “FaceTime with my Mom” are brilliant, elegantly constructed, weirdly catchy tunes blending social commentary with flat-out funny observations.

Burnham often seems on the verge of a breakdown as he shares his anxieties, his misgivings about doing the special and his concerns that if he ever finishes it, what will he do then? It’s a shame he doesn’t seem to be capable of enjoying his work as much as we do.

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A robber was fatally shot Tuesday night in an attempted home invasion in Jeffery Manor on the South Side, according to Chicago police.

About 11 p.m., a 49-year-old man heard a loud sound at the front door of his home in the 9500 block of South Calhoun Avenue, police said. The man opened the door and two armed males wearing masks forced their way into the house.

The man yelled for help and two men, 25 and 24-years-old, who were in the basement rushed upstairs, police said. The three men began to fight with the robbers, and one of the guns discharged several times.

One of the robbers was struck in the chest, and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The second man fled the scene once the shots were fired.

The 25-year-old man was struck once in the arm, and taken to Trinity Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Area Two detectives are investigating.

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Two people were killed, and thirteen others were wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago including a robber who was fatally shot in an attempted home invasion in Jeffery Manor on the South Side, according to Chicago police.

About 11 p.m., a 49-year-old man heard a loud sound at the front door of his home in the 9500 block of South Calhoun Avenue, police said. The man opened the door and two armed males wearing masks forced their way into the house. The man yelled for help and two men, 25 and 24-years-old, who were in the basement rushed upstairs. The three men began to fight with the robbers, and one of the guns discharged several times. One of the robbers was struck in the chest, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second man fled the scene once the shots were fired. The 25-year-old man was struck once in the arm, and taken to Trinity Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.

A 17-year-old boy who was killed in a shooting in Park Manor on the South Side. He was inside a vehicle about 5 p.m. in the 7100 block of South Indiana Avenue when someone approached and opened fire, striking him in the head, police said. The teen was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

In non-fatal shootings, three people were wounded in a drive-by in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side. About 11:15 p.m., the group was standing outside in the 3100 block of West 64th Street, when a black sedan pulled up to them and someone inside opened fire, police said. A 35-year-old woman was struck in the stomach and leg, and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition. A 41-year-old man was struck in the buttocks and refused medical treatment. A third person, a 31-year-old man, was grazed by a bullet on his chest, and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he is in good condition.

Earlier that evening, two men were shot in Uptown on the North Side. They were near the sidewalk about 5:40 p.m. in the 4500 block of North Sheridan Road when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, police said. A 20-year-old was shot in the head and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition. The other man, 19, was shot in the leg and was taken to Weiss Memorial Hospital in good condition.

Three people were wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park on the West Side. Around 2:10 p.m., they were near a sidewalk in the 3900 block of West Gladys Avenue when a vehicle approached and someone inside began shooting, police said. A male was struck in the leg, while another was shot in the shoulder. Both were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition. A 26-year-old man was grazed in the calf but refused medical attention.

In the day’s first reported shooting, a 31-year-old man was shot in Chatham on the South Side. Just after midnight, he was in the 8000 block of South Maryland Avenue, when he heard shots and felt a pain, police said. He was struck in the hand and taken to Trinity Hospital where his condition was stabilized.

Three others were wounded in shootings citywide.

One person was killed, and thirteen others were wounded in shootings across Chicago Monday.

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One person was killed and twelve others were wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago including a 17-year-old boy who was killed in a shooting in Park Manor on the South Side.

He was inside a vehicle about 5 p.m. in the 7100 block of South Indiana Avenue when someone approached and opened fire, striking him in the head, Chicago police said. The teen was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

In non-fatal shootings, three people were wounded in a drive-by in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side. About 11:15 p.m., the group was standing outside in the 3100 block of West 64th Street, when a black sedan pulled up to them and someone inside opened fire, police said. A 35-year-old woman was struck in the stomach and leg, and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition. A 41-year-old man was struck in the buttocks and refused medical treatment. A third person, a 31-year-old man, was grazed by a bullet on his chest, and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he is in good condition.

Earlier that evening, two men were shot in Uptown on the North Side. They were near the sidewalk about 5:40 p.m. in the 4500 block of North Sheridan Road when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, police said. A 20-year-old was shot in the head and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition. The other man, 19, was shot in the leg and was taken to Weiss Memorial Hospital in good condition.

Three people were wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park on the West Side. Around 2:10 p.m., they were near a sidewalk in the 3900 block of West Gladys Avenue when a vehicle approached and someone inside began shooting, police said. A male was struck in the leg, while another was shot in the shoulder. Both were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition. A 26-year-old man was grazed in the calf but refused medical attention.

In the day’s first reported shooting, a 31-year-old man was shot in Chatham on the South Side. Just after midnight, he was in the 8000 block of South Maryland Avenue, when he heard shots and felt a pain, police said. He was struck in the hand and taken to Trinity Hospital where his condition was stabilized.

Three others were wounded in shootings citywide.

One person was killed, and thirteen others were wounded in shootings across Chicago Monday.

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Three people were wounded in a drive-by Tuesday in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.

About 11:15 p.m., the group was standing outside in the 3100 block of West 64th Street, when a black sedan pulled up to them and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said.

A 35-year-old woman was struck in the stomach and leg, and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said. A 41-year-old man was struck in the buttocks and refused medical treatment.

A third person, a 31-year-old man, was grazed by a bullet on his chest, and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he is in good condition, police said.

No arrest have been made as Area One detectives investigate.

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ST. LOUIS — Time is winding down before the trade deadline, and dealing Joc Pederson last week showed that team president Jed Hoyer and the Cubs are open for business.

A lot could happen between now and July 30 as the franchise’s future will be decided in the coming days.

Here are three questions the Cubs have to answer ahead of the deadline:

What happens with Kris Bryant?

It’s the question that has been asked the most the last few years, and those questions won’t stop. Bryant’s bounce-back season has been one of the Cubs’ bright spots, and his versatility has been on display. It all makes him their most valuable trade asset.

But Bryant left the game Tuesday against the Cardinals with right hamstring fatigue. He made a diving catch in the third inning and appeared to land awkwardly but stayed in the game before being taken out in the fifth. Ian Happ took over.

The Cubs need a healthy Bryant to maximize their return. At 29, he’s in the last year of club control and would be a rental for any team that acquires him at the deadline. He could be a fit for several contending teams.

Who else could be moved?

Like Bryant, shortstop Javy Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo will become free agents at the end of the season. Any player with an expiring deal could be dealt.

Hoyer said weeks ago that he’d sit down with Bryant, Baez and Rizzo before the deadline to discuss each player’s status. With the chances of extensions remote at this point, the discussions likely would focus on where they stand ahead of the team’s moves.

Reliever Craig Kimbrel is another potential trade piece. He has carried over his success from the end of 2020 and put together one of his best seasons in years, taking his place again among a select group of elite closers.

Kimbrel, who was named an All-Star for the first time since 2018, is not only an attractive player for a contender looking for a closer as the final piece to a championship-caliber team, but his contractual flexibility also could boost his value.

His $16 million team option might not have looked attractive to teams after he signed and struggled, but with the return of the Kimbrel of old, it could be a reasonable price to pay for a contender who wants more than a rental.

What will the rotation look like?

Kyle Hendricks has been terrific since May, Adbert Alzolay has held his own and Zach Davies has shown flashes of his old self, but the Cubs’ rotation has lacked cohesiveness and length.

The back of the rotation is the biggest question mark for the second half.

Jake Arrieta struggled mightily before landing on the injured list with hamstring tightness and has not had the look or production of a pitcher who was close to finding his way.

The Cubs have contingency plans when the time comes to move Arrieta out of the rotation. Young left-hander Justin Steele made a great impression when he was part of the team’s bullpen and is getting stretched out as a starter in Triple A before he gets some looks in the second half.

With right-hander Alec Mills throwing the ball well in his return to the rotation and stabilizing things, it isn’t hard to imagine what the team’s rotation will look like without Arrieta. And the last two weeks have provided a preview.

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Bulls guard and U.S. Olympian Zach LaVine cleared USA Basketball’s health & safety protocol and will join the team Thursday afternoon in Tokyo, the organization said late Tuesday.

LaVine was in the protocols for contact tracing and wasn’t allowed to fly with the team Monday from Las Vegas. But he will arrive in time to play in the team’s Olympic opener Sunday against France.

In addition to LaVine, the U.S. team will gain Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday from the newly crowned NBA-champion Bucks and Devin Booker from the Suns. They’re expected to arrive in Tokyo this week.

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Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 5 to 6 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a lovely day for you because the moon, Venus and Mars are all supportive to Aries. This means that whatever you attempt to do will probably succeed. It’s a great day to schmooze and enjoy playful outings. Travel plans will totally appeal!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You might deal with financial issues like loans, mortgages, debt or shared property, especially with how they relate to your home or your family. If so, be aware of the brief moon Alert. This is a lovely day to entertain at home.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

With the moon opposite your sign, you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. Nevertheless, this is a friendly day! You will enjoy talking to everyone. Something will make you appreciate who and where you are.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Although this is a friendly, sociable day for most, you will use this energy to get better organized and work smart at your job. You might want to do something that helps you get better organized with a pet. The good thing is you have the energy!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Even though you are low key, you can’t resist invitations to party and socialize today! Enjoy social outings, playful activities with kids, sports events and fun times. With both Mars and Venus in your sign, you’ll make a memorable entrance.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Family discussions, especially with females, will go well today because good feelings abound. Some of you might instead prefer to cocoon at home alone. If so, you will feel pampered and private because this is an enjoyable day.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is an excellent day for those of you who write, teach, act, sell or market for a living because your verbal skills are sharp. Not only that, you will be charming and friendly with everyone. Regardless of what you do for a living, this is an excellent day to communicate with someone.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Business and commerce are favored today (with the exception of a one-hour interval: check moon alert.) You might see ways to boost your income or to get a better-paying job. Admittedly, many of you will see ways to spend your money on something beautiful.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

For most of today, the moon is in your sign dancing with Venus and Mars, which makes you feel positive, energetic and friendly to everyone, especially people who are different or from another culture. This is because you want to broaden your horizons and stretch a bit.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This is the perfect day for a nap. It’s also a good day to keep a low profile and watch the world go by. Nevertheless, financial discussions will go well. If you are negotiating a loan or mortgage, be aware of the restrictions of the Moon Alert (see above) for only one hour.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your interaction with friends will be rewarding. You might also feel just as happy interacting with clubs, groups and associations because you’re in the mood to socialize and share your ideas. You are also thinking ahead about the future.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

People notice you, which is a good thing because you look very good in their eyes. You look successful and charming, which is why someone might approach you to ask for advice or for your help in some way. (Particularly related to your job.)

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor, producer Josh Hartnett (1978) shares your birthday. You are innovative, imaginative and very perceptive. You are also friendly and charming and you have strong ties to your family. This year you will strive to establish your place in the world with reference to your family, your job and your community. It’s a social year, and you will relate to a wide variety of people.

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