DEAR ABBY: A long-time friend accused me of stealing her ring. She lost the ring while I was giving her rides to visit her husband in rehab. She wouldn’t tell me what was in the handkerchief she lost, but eventually said it was a special ring. I helped her look for it in my car, retraced her steps, and asked about her pocketbook. She then accused me of being the only one with her bag. I ignored the accusation because she seemed upset. Later, she made a threatening call and stopped answering my messages. Now, she is demanding the ring back. I am not sure how to handle this situation. What should I do? – INNOCENT IN COLORADO
DEAR INNOCENT: Your neighbor may have already made up her mind about your guilt, despite your innocence. It is unfortunate, but it seems like your friendship with her is over. Even if she finds her ring, things won’t be the same between you two. It might be best to move on from this toxic relationship.
DEAR ABBY: If you ask someone out to dinner three times and they refuse each time, it’s a clear sign that they are not interested. It’s better to look for friendship elsewhere than to keep trying with someone who isn’t reciprocating. Quit trying to force a friendship and let things happen naturally. – IGNORED IN THE EAST
Dear Abby is a column written by Abigail Van Buren and was started by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
