Dear Annie: I want to write an open letter to my wife. She reads your column and will see it.

I am in a bit of a dilemma. I’m single and have slowly been getting back into the dating game (my last real relationship was three years ago). I recently met a guy while going for a run one day, and he seems nice. We met up for a drink, and I felt pretty confident talking to him. Everything seemed to be going well, until he brought up his background, and it is a little bit “shady.” I appreciate his honesty, but I’m afraid that this has changed how I view him. He has told me he wants to get back on his feet and has made some effort, but I feel like I am judging him (and I know I shouldn’t). Is it right for me to judge a person on what I deem to be some serious issues (even if they are in the past) or should I try to get to know this person and understand before I draw more conclusions? I have a good idea of what I want in a partner, but I feel that maybe I’m overanalyzing this situation.