March 28, 2026 Issue, Page 5 of 12

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ACTIVITIES The Elk City News SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 • 5 Friend With Benefits Was Never Really Even a Friend DEAR ABBY: Six months ago, I decision. Can you help? — RE- close. I was asked to be a brides- CALIFORNIA started spending time with a wom- DEAR ABBY JECTED IN COLORADO maid. (Unfortunately, I had to de- DEAR WONDERING: Your re- an I knew casually for about a year DEAR REJECTED: I can try. The cline due to scheduling conflicts.) I action is understandable. While following her traumatic breakup going to be a long-term thing, even “friend” you were dating and inti- attended the wedding, bringing an no formal rule of etiquette forbids with her ex-boyfriend. At first, we though she still insisted we were mate with may be an adult chrono- appropriate gift, only to find out a lying to one’s friends and loved were just friends, but it quickly just friends. logically, but she is emotionally im- few months later that the marriage ones, the Bible has something to progressed as we opened up and Three weeks ago, she met and mature. Intense physical attraction was never legally registered. It had started dating another guy. She told say about it. Your friend wanted a shared everything about ourselves is great while it lasts, but in many just been a commitment ceremo- party. She wanted gifts. She and her with each other. She continued in- me she still wants to be best friends, cases, it diminishes with time. Last- ny. When I asked why she didn’t that she had been “50-50” the entire boyfriend did not want a legal com- sisting we were “just friends” and ing relationships like marriage de- announce it as such, she said she time about whether to date me but mitment that lasts a lifetime or they went out with other men, which, at pend upon more than that to suc- wanted people to think it was a real couldn’t commit because she wasn’t would have had an actual wedding. the time, didn’t bother me. ceed. Give her marks for honesty wedding. Two months in, we started being physically attracted to me, de- and be glad you found out what her I’m feeling a bit betrayed, and intimate. Three months ago, she be- spite having sex with me for many true nature is, but also realize that I wonder how her other guests Dear Abby is written by Abigail gan referring to me, her puppy and months. She said she was physical- you dodged a bullet. All women are would feel if they found out. I’m Van Buren, also known as Jeanne herself as “a family,” talking about ly attracted to me sometimes but not like her, and you will meet one not sure I would have bought such Phillips, and was founded by her future kids and grandkids. She didn’t feel that way all the time — you can trust. an expensive gift if I had known be- mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact asked to meet my parents and made and she thought she should be. I cut forehand. Is there a rule of etiquette Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com sure I met hers when they came to things off with her. I’m extremely DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine for this sort of thing, or am I over- or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA town. I began believing this was hurt, and I don’t understand her recently got married. We are pretty thinking it? — WONDERING IN 90069. CROSSWORD Get Fuzzy CURRENT PUZZLE ANSWERS Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield