Dear Abby, Two years ago, at a national conference, I ran into a woman I had dated decades ago. We started dating again, even though she lives in Phoenix and I live in the Midwest. The geographical distance between us is a challenge, but we made it work through phone calls and traveling to see each other at least once a month.
It was working out so well that we started talking about my moving to Arizona so we could move in together. I thought that was our future until earlier this week. My friend just told me that she wants to reduce the number of phone calls we get each week to three or less. She said that she needs more time to herself to deal with the “challenges” that she has been facing and that everything is fine in our relationship.
I was surprised because we had been talking two or more times a day and exchanging text messages. We have both faced significant challenges during our relationship and we use our conversations to figure out how to deal with them.
I said I wanted to talk more than three times a week. She says this won’t work. She wants less contact, A LOT less. She also canceled our next in-person meeting. I feel like our relationship is headed for the rocks. When I expressed this, my girlfriend kept insisting that everything is “fine” and that we could have the same relationship with less contact. I do not agree. What do you think?
— Completely thrown
Dear Released: Because this lady didn’t elaborate on the challenges she’s facing, I think the abrupt change in her behavior may be her way of trying to easily let you down. I can’t guess what could have caused her change of heart, but accept my sympathy.
Dear Abby, A member of the family makes beautiful scrapbooks throughout the year. His work is remarkable and everyone enjoys looking at the finished product. I have become the photographer. This is my dilemma: I know that not everyone likes to have their picture taken. How do I approach this? I think it would be inconvenient to survey everyone on whether they’re okay before taking their photos. A group photo at the end of, say, Christmas Day seems pretty understated. Too often, I feel like the paparazzi. What are your thoughts?
— Shutter in Chicago
Dear Shutterbug, My “thought” is that you are very considerate. Also, I think it’s polite before taking a photo to ask subjects if they WOULD LIKE to be included in the shot, or take a moment to put on lipstick, a hat, or pose with their “best side” for the camera. . (It’s also a safe way for anyone in witness protection to move out of camera range.)
DEAR READERS: Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere: birth fathers, step-fathers, foster and adoptive fathers, grandparents, and all those caring men who mentor children and fill the role of absent fathers.
PS Also, a big shout out to the dual role moms. I applaud you all, today and every day.
— With love, Abby
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, aka Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact dear Abby at DearAbby.com.
Reference-www.bostonherald.com