Do you have an opinion about the real life situation of restauranteur B. Smith, her husband and his girlfriend, that has been much in the news recently? Is it different than speculating about a fictional family?

The restauranteur, model and designer, B. Smith, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2014, though she'd had symptoms for years before. Her husband of 18 years, Dan Gasby, became her caretaker and continues to be. In 2017, he met and fell in love with another woman who has since become part of the family and lives with Dan and B. part-time. Many of B. Smith's long-time fans expressed anger when Gasby recently wrote about this. The general public is largely supportive. Do you have an opinion about this real life situation? Is it different than speculating about a fictional family?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/lifestyle-guru-b-smith-has-alzheimers-her-husband-has-a-girlfriend-her-fans-arent-having-it/2019/01/28/1a9dbbc0-12c4-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html

When I read the article about the real life situation (I think the article I read was in PEOPLE magazine), I felt a bit suspicious of the much younger waitress. It definitely seemed like the now-girlfriend intended to make Mr. Smith her boyfriend as soon as she offered her phone number ... just in "in case" Mr. Smith ever felt like he needed to talk. However, this real life situation is different than the book - no one is suddenly back to normal and accepting a love triangle.

The Half Life of Everything definitely shows parallels with the B. Smith real life situation. The difference is that B. Smith has not regained her memory. I've been following this story since reading the book. Ms. Smith, Mr. Gadsby and Alex Lerner seem to have a beautiful relationship. From what I can attain, B Smith doesn't even know that Dan is her husband some days. the relationship that they three have formed is truly one of family. While I know this is an unconventional family, I can't fault them for it. I do think that I could be judgmental if I knew both of the members of the couple however. My nature - but I hope I would be able to accept the complexities and the relationship with time.

I agree with wendyf the difference is that this woman has lost her memory. Otherwise I know nothing about this real life situation. Guess I need to watch the news more often!

This situation is different. B. Smith is now demented. Her husband has assumed the role of caretaker. Her life is better for being cared for and I doubt there is a sexual relationship.her husband wants to ensure she is cared for the best she can be.