DEAR ABBY: I’m having a difficulty with my longtime best friend. We not live in the identical state, but we talk several times per week and take a look at to go to every yr. We each love crafting, and two years ago, I began making her a giant, beautiful counted cross-stitch and had it custom framed. The project took several months, and he or she knew I used to be making it.
She offered — I didn’t ask — to make me a quilt from T-shirts I had collected through the years from various places I had been. So I cut the logos/graphics off the shirts and mailed them to her. She told me it might take her only per week to make the quilt. That was two years ago. It has been a yr since I drove six hours each technique to deliver my cross-stitch gift to her, and he or she still hasn’t made the quilt.
I actually have since moved even farther away. I miss home, and I really need the quilt. I actually have asked her about it several times. The quilt would mean a lot to me, especially now that I’m greater than 1,000 miles away, but she keeps making empty guarantees about ending it. Meanwhile, she has found the time to create crochet and cross-stitch items for her clan and remodel her kitchen.
I’m so hurt in regards to the whole thing that I’d prefer to ask her to return the T-shirt pieces to me. Not less than that way I could hire someone to make me the quilt. Am I being unreasonable? — WAITING IN THE SOUTH
DEAR WAITING: What you might be considering just isn’t only reasonable, but in addition rational. The subsequent time you and your friend chat, tell her you understand what a busy person she is. Explain that you desire to her to seek out the time to return the material you sent so you’ll be able to make other arrangements to have the quilt made. Smile if you say it so your tone shall be “warm and friendly.” That way, the friendship can proceed in the event you wish.
DEAR ABBY: At the start of the yr, I broke up with my boyfriend. I went to a clinic to get tested for STDs, and every thing turned out wonderful. A couple of months later, I began dating one other guy I’d met last yr. The whole lot was great until I spotted he’s HIV-positive. Once I asked him, he denied it.
Once I returned to the clinic to get tested again, I used to be told I’m now HIV-positive. We had been using protection, but stopped. I haven’t told my family yet, but he knows. How can I give my family this news? — LOVED BUT CONFUSED
DEAR LOVED: Before you make any announcements to your loved ones, schedule an appointment along with your physician to debate this diagnosis. You’ll want to be placed on antiviral medication as soon as possible. In case you are still with this loser, he ought to be placed on medication as well. Not only does his life depend upon it, but he could infect many more partners.
Once you have got begun the treatment your doctor prescribes, inform your loved ones. Don’t be shocked in the event that they want you to place the one that did not mention he’s HIV-positive after which infected you within the rear-view mirror.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.