DEAR ABBY: I have been happily married to my college sweetheart for 20 years. “Mark” is a great husband, a good father, and we are very compatible. He is the kind of man who brings me flowers for no reason, and who’d rather be home cooking dinner with me than almost anywhere. I know he loves me and our children.

Recently, a woman called our house, identified herself as “a friend,” and told me Mark has been “playing around” all over town and she thought I should know I was married to a “pervert.” She hung up before I could comment. Mark swears he is not, and never has, had an affair.

Of course, I believe the man I have known for 25 years over a complete stranger, but this has been very upsetting. I now question my decision to be a stay-at-home mom and wonder if someone may be out to get me. I have become nervous in crowds, fearful that someone is watching me or us when we’re out together. Mark is trying to be there for me and says we will go to marriage counseling or whatever I need.