Dear Abby: If you ask a guy out to dinner three times and each time he says he has already eaten, is it OK to stop trying to be a friend? I feel he could have been more honest about eating, and said something like, “Can I just get a soda or coffee? I would love to spend time with you.”
Anyway, I stopped talking to him, and then he asked me why I wasn’t still asking. When I told him why, he said he’d told me to take him out on his birthday. You don’t want my company until it is convenient for you? Now I’m confused. I think I will look for a friend somewhere else.
— Ignored in the East
Dear Ignored: When someone refuses three invitations, it means he isn’t interested. Do the poor guy (and yourself) a favor — quit trying to script your relationships and look for friendship elsewhere.
Previously
Dear Abby: I’m thrilled my sister is engaged, but I’m also really jealous
Dear Abby: So-called ‘best friend’ won’t commit, but seeks intimate ‘benefits’
Dear Abby: Would it be appropriate to call an old college flame I’ve had in my thoughts?
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, California 90069. Copyright 2024, Andrews, McMeel Syndication.
