DEAR ABBY: I’m 17 and dating this older guy. Everyone is afraid that one day I’ll just disappear, but he isn’t like that. I know him from when I was younger, and my dad and his dad were really close. People just don’t trust me, even though I have told them nothing but the full truth from the start. I’m happy. What should I do? – MISUNDERSTOOD IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR MISUNDERSTOOD: It might help if you ask this young man to talk to your parents about his interest in you. If he is nice, respectful and employed or in school, they may be less suspicious about his intentions.
DEAR ABBY: Two years ago we lost a very close friend of mine, not to death but to a relationship. “Ben” is the most genuine, caring and loving person you could ever meet. He and my sister dated for what seemed like forever, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. We were all devastated. Still, after their relationship ended, he was around because he had become like a member of our family.
Ben finally met a great woman he cared for. We were all happy he had found someone and maybe he’d finally be the great dad we knew he could be. Our family loved his new girlfriend, and welcomed her to all gatherings as she was an extension of him.
Six months to a year into their relationship, we learned that Ben failed to mention to her that he and my sister had been an item for many years (engaged at one point). When she found out, she demanded that he stop talking to us. We even had a “goodbye” dinner with him.