DEAR CAROLYN: It's been uncovered that my dad has been having a (quite public) affair. The other woman is a friend of my mom's, and my mom's friends have known for some time.

My mom is heartbroken. So am I.

I would be happier never seeing my father again (this is the just the tip of the iceberg) but my siblings want to forgive, forget and move on. My mom wants an amicable divorce, to make things easier for us – we're all in college or living at home. It would really sadden her to see me sever things with my dad, and since I will not cause her more pain, I need to forgive him.

How do I get over this betrayal, humiliation, anger and sadness? He has apologized and moved out, but continues to lie about other issues.

I'm fed up with his deceit and just want to move on with my life without the weight of wishing he loved me better.

– Anonymous

DEAR ANONYMOUS: I'm sorry. Life is challenging enough when loved ones behave themselves.

While there's no shortcut through grief, there are things you can do to clarify your sense of purpose, which will keep you on the recovery path.

You've spelled out one priority yourself: Supporting your mom and sibs instead of cutting ties with Dad. Either choice would have been legitimate, so having a clear preference spared you the anguish of choosing.

I do think you've conflated two separate issues, though: what you think of your father, and the time you spend with him.

Granted, the more you're around your father, the more you're forced to think about how he disappoints you. However, that doesn't change the fact that "the weight of wishing my dad loved me better" is one you'll carry whether he's in your life or not. If you don't deal with it, that is.

And despite your roiling emotions, dealing with it is a matter of making a simple calculation: The power to answer your "wishing" lies with you.

By accident of birth, this is the father you got. He's not getting any more honest, any deeper, any better. That means that if you keep expecting him to behave with integrity, or hoping he'll become a good father, you'll keep renewing your disappointment.

Build expectations of Dad that reflect nothing more than the reality of who he is – then watch as existential letdowns stop dominating your life. It's wish-fulfillment with no change in paternal dosage.

That's because it's not your father's shortcomings that preoccupy you; it's your hopes for a different outcome.

If you need an assist from your college's counseling service, then seek it without apology.

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