Expensive Abby, We talked virtually day-after-day for many years, then the boyfriend stopped returning my calls

DEAR ABBY: I’m a single man with an in depth girlfriend who can also be single. We dwell about half an hour aside, so most of our communication during the last 25 years has been over the cellphone. We talked virtually day-after-day.

Two years in the past I seen he stopped calling me till he was going to get collectively. Then I seen that after I known as him, he would go away it on voicemail and never return my name for days. A couple of yr in the past he stopped returning my voicemails altogether. I attempted to drastically cut back my calls however no cube. I additionally tried switching to texts however he does not reply to them both.

You may assume she’s buddies with me, however she’s not. We nonetheless get collectively usually for dinner or a film, normally at his suggestion by way of e mail. However not returning, and even answering, my calls or texts positive feels improper. I’ve tried to ask him about it, however he cuts me off saying he “did not decide up the cellphone”. Or he is “dangerous at checking voicemails and texts.”

His newest excuse is that he is “simply not good on the cellphone.” Abby, I do know cellphone etiquette has modified and younger folks not often use the cellphone today. However we’re in our 60s and for 25 years our relationship was largely over the cellphone. It is one factor you need to reduce it again, and even cease calling me. However ignoring my (now rare) calls or texts feels insulting. Is that this regular and will I nonetheless think about an individual like this one in every of my closest buddies? — GHOSTED IN THE WEST

DEAR GHOST: A sudden sample change will not be regular. One thing has modified. Since you may’t get him to clarify what induced this modification in his conduct, think about taking a web page out of his playbook. Talk with him by e mail solely in response to his emails to you, and discover another buddies who will deal with you politely.

DEAR ABBY: I’m a widow and miss my husband very a lot. We frequently had dinner collectively. I’ve buddies I’ve dinner with, however generally I am going out alone. Each time I say I am eating alone, the host or hostess asks, It is like an insult. I want a reminder that I’m alone and not using a husband.

I just lately advised this to a pal who advised me he feels the identical approach when he dines alone. He additionally considers it offensive. Please share this with readers who work within the hospitality trade. – ARE YOU RIGHT IN COLORADO?

DEAR ONLY YOU. I’m printing your letter, however I believe you might be responding to a query which may be extra about process than social commentary. Your host or server might ask that query as a result of they need to know if extra place settings needs to be faraway from the desk.

DEAR READERS: As I mirror on this previous yr, I additionally need to want you a contented, wholesome 2023. Did 2022 go by as shortly for you because it did for me? I am going to be a part of you tonight to “toast” a brand new yr that I hope shall be a much less anxious one for all of us. If you happen to’re celebrating tonight, please take measures to guard not solely your well being, however the security of others. Joyful New Yr, everybody! – LOVE, ABBY

Expensive Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known as Jeanne Phillips, and based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Expensive Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

For an amazing information to turning into a greater conversationalist and a extra outgoing individual, order Find out how to Be Standard. Ship your identify and mailing deal with plus a test or cash order for $8 (US funds) to: Expensive Abby, Reputation Booklet, PO Field 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Value contains delivery and dealing with).