September 19, 2026 Issue, Page 5 of 14

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ACTIVITIES The Elk City News SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 • 5 Tensions Rise After Workplace Romance Breakup DEAR ABBY: I am a man in my I don’t think you’re “stubborn”; I ty and would rather decide for myself ant to you, and that you have already 40s. A woman and I had a relation- DEAR ABBY think you’re afraid. You’ve kept up how to spend it. donated to Jane’s more than once. ship that ended badly. We met on this unseemly behavior because you Jane and my father are sensitive Ask him to explain that to her and the job, though we work in differ- mentioned being friends. I cannot be don’t want to be hurt again. If you about her being accepted into our that it isn’t a rejection of her — just ent departments. Everyone knows friends with her. Despite the amount can’t muster the courage to tell this family. They both tend to look for fiscal responsibility on your part. He about our previous relationship, and of time that has gone by, I still want to woman you want another chance, slights and then blow them out of needs to know you feel like you won’t it is extremely awkward. Every time fix things. However, I know my real you have two options left: Either proportion. Dad has made it clear be able to have a relationship with the I walk by, there are lots of smiles intentions and illusions about getting speak with her purely as a colleague that unless my siblings and I fully father you adore if you refuse these and chattering; when I approach my back together are misguided fantasy. and bury the hatchet so you can at embrace Jane, he won’t be part of our solicitations. co-workers’ desks, I’m greeted with I would appreciate your insights. — least be cordial in the workplace, or lives. I admire him sticking up for her, silence and intense stares. I still have AWKWARD AT WORK start looking for another job. but I know if I decline the next dona- Dear Abby is written by Abigail strong feelings for her, and I know DEAR AWKWARD: Do you tion request it’s going to get ugly. I feel Van Buren. For nearly four decades, they are reciprocated because she has understand that it’s you, not your DEAR ABBY: My father’s girl- like I’m being held hostage. How do Jeanne Phillips penned this column, verbalized it and shown it with her co-workers, making things awkward? friend, “Jane,” has started soliciting I get out of this situation? — HELD which was founded in 1956 by her actions and behaviors. By resorting to the silent treatment, money for her causes from every- HOSTAGE IN VANCOUVER mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact After she ended things, I you’ve made everyone uncomfort- one she knows, especially our fami- DEAR HELD HOSTAGE: Talk to Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com was upset and gave her the silent able. You say you want to fix things, ly members. After the first request, I your father privately and tell him you or P.O. Box 270135, Kansas City, MO treatment. I know she feels hurt by but you’ve made no attempt to do so. donated a modest amount to support love him. Remind him that you don’t 64127. (EDITORS: If you have edi- my pretending like she doesn’t ex- You don’t believe you can reconcile her, not knowing the deluge of re- have an unlimited amount of money torial questions, please contact Clint ist. I am a stubborn man, but I re- with your ex, but on what grounds? quests that would follow. I have a set to donate to charity, that you have Hooker, clint.hooker@andrewsmc- ally miss her. After the breakup, she You won’t even talk to her! amount of money I can use for chari- causes of your own that are import- meel.com.) CROSSWORD Get Fuzzy CURRENT PUZZLE ANSWERS Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield