'Friendship' Now Consists of Occasional Shallow Texts
Dear Abby | September 12th, 2025 | Letter 2 of 2
DEAR ABBY: I have a casual acquaintance, Stacy, who long ago moved to a different part of the country and sends me a message every couple of months. She's not a friend I would ever think to visit or even call on the phone, and she apparently feels the same. Stacy writes that she wants to keep in touch, yet her messages contain nothing more than a greeting followed by a perfunctory response, like been busy, when I ask what she's been up to. I used to offer details about work, my hobbies, my spouse and where I've traveled on vacations, without acknowledgment or reciprocation on her part. Now, I no longer bother offering her any details. Frankly, I don't see this as keeping in touch at all. Would it be rude, after all these years, to stop writing her back? -- FLUMMOXED IN FLORIDA.
DEAR FLUMMOXED: No, it would not be rude. It appears Stacy sends out blanket messages in an effort to keep her contacts warm, but she isn't sincere enough to show a personal interest in the recipients. You are not required to respond to her messages.
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