Dear Abby,

Dear Abby,

I know that people who write to you usually don't use real names when they ask for advice, but I feel you will be able to better advise me on my problem if you know who I actually am. My name is Roderigo and I am madly in love with a woman named Desdemona. Unfortunately, Desdemona is already married to another man-Othello. This makes me feel a great sense of jealousy towards Othello. I cannot understand why she would have chosen Othello to marry when she could have had me. I am also friends with Iago who has been trying to help me with the Desdemona situation. I am so madly in love with Desdemona that I even considered committing suicide because I truly feel I cannot live without her! Iago managed to talk me out of killing myself, and instead has said that for a price he will help me win over Desdemona. He wants me to sell my land and belongings so that I have cash available. I am willing to do what he says if it will bring me closer to what I want. Iago has assured me that he can help me be with Desdemona. I really hope this advice works, and although I am skeptical, I am more than willing to accept Iago's plan and I do hope it works. Iago already had me try to stir things up by having me be the one to tell Desdemona's father that she snuck off in the night to marry the Moor.

What do you think? Am I crazy to think that Desdemona will actually leave her husband to be with me? Do you think I should trust Iago to help me convince Desdemona to give up on her marriage to Othello? Please don't tell me to just forget her, because I simply cannot. She is what I think about all the time. Whatever advice you can provide would be appreciated. I will eagerly await your reply.

Sincerely,

Roderigo, AKA "Love Sick in Venice"