DEAR ABBY: A longtime neighbor and buddy has accused me of stealing a hoop. I had been offering her with transportation to go to her husband whereas he was in rehab recovering from a damaged leg. I additionally took her on different errands.
In the future, she was upset. She informed me she had misplaced a bunched-up handkerchief that held one thing vital, however wouldn’t inform me what it was. Finally, she mentioned she had a particular ring wrapped in there, so we seemed via my automotive a number of instances.
I attempted to assist her retrace her steps and in addition requested when and the place she might have left her pocketbook open or unattended. She then mentioned I used to be the one one who had been along with her pocketbook and that she was at all times very cautious along with her bag. I missed her refined accusation as a result of I knew she was distressed and annoyed.
My neighbor later got here to dinner with my household, and I gave her one other trip or two. Then she made a threatening hang-up name. After I went to her home (with a meals present) to handle the state of affairs, she didn’t reply the door, though I’m pretty sure I heard her inside. After that, I finished replying to her cellphone messages asking for extra rides and different help. I hoped she would discover her misplaced merchandise.
At this time, she knocked on my entrance door whereas I used to be out and gave my 13-year-old daughter an indignant message that she desires her ring again. My daughter was very upset, as these are neighbors now we have identified a very long time and have been at all times pleasant with. That is extraordinarily distressing, and I’m not certain how one can reply, or how one can resolve this. — INNOCENT IN COLORADO
DEAR INNOCENT: Your neighbor might have interpreted your not responding to her messages as an indication of guilt. You’ll be able to reiterate that you’re harmless till the cows come residence, as a result of I’m guessing her thoughts was just about made up that you just have been responsible after she “subtly” accused you of taking the ring. Wanting taking a lie detector check to show your innocence, I doubt there will likely be something you possibly can say to persuade her. It’s regrettable, however your lengthy friendship with this lady is over. Even when she finds her ring, your relationship won’t ever be the identical.
DEAR ABBY: When you ask a man out to dinner thrice and every time he says he has already eaten, is it OK to cease attempting to be a buddy? I really feel he might have been extra sincere about consuming, and mentioned one thing like, “Can I simply get a soda or espresso? I’d like to spend time with you.”
Anyway, I finished speaking to him, after which he requested me why I wasn’t nonetheless asking. After I informed him why, he mentioned he’d informed me to take him out on his birthday. You don’t need my firm till it’s handy for you? Now I’m confused. I feel I’ll search for a buddy some other place. — IGNORED IN THE EAST
DEAR IGNORED: When somebody refuses three invites, it means he isn’t . Do the poor man (and your self) a favor — give up attempting to script your relationships and search for friendship elsewhere.
Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also called Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
