My neighbor misplaced her ring — now she’s accusing me of stealing it

DEAR ABBY: A longtime neighbor and good friend has accused me of stealing a hoop. I had been offering her with transportation to go to her husband whereas he was in rehab recovering from a damaged leg. I additionally took her on different errands. 

Someday, she was upset. She advised me she had misplaced a bunched-up handkerchief that held one thing vital, however wouldn’t inform me what it was. Ultimately, she stated she had a particular ring wrapped in there, so we appeared via my automotive a number of occasions. 

I attempted to assist her retrace her steps and in addition requested when and the place she might have left her pocketbook open or unattended. She then stated I used to be the one one who had been along with her pocketbook and that she was all the time very cautious along with her bag. I neglected her refined accusation as a result of I knew she was distressed and pissed off. 

My neighbor later got here to dinner with my household, and I gave her one other journey or two. Then she made a threatening hang-up name. Once I went to her home (with a meals reward) to deal with the state of affairs, she didn’t reply the door, though I’m pretty sure I heard her inside. After that, I ended replying to her telephone messages asking for extra rides and different help. I hoped she would discover her misplaced merchandise. 

Right now, she knocked on my entrance door whereas I used to be out and gave my 13-year-old daughter an indignant message that she needs her ring again. My daughter was very upset, as these are neighbors now we have recognized a very long time and have been all the time pleasant with. That is extraordinarily distressing, and I’m not positive the best way to reply, or the best way to resolve this. — INNOCENT IN COLORADO

DEAR INNOCENT: Your neighbor might have interpreted your not responding to her messages as an indication of guilt. You may reiterate that you’re harmless till the cows come dwelling, as a result of I’m guessing her thoughts was just about made up that you simply have been responsible after she “subtly” accused you of taking the ring. Wanting taking a lie detector check to show your innocence, I doubt there will probably be something you may say to persuade her. It’s regrettable, however your lengthy friendship with this lady is over. Even when she finds her ring, your relationship won’t ever be the identical.

DEAR ABBY: For those who ask a man out to dinner thrice and every time he says he has already eaten, is it OK to cease making an attempt to be a good friend? I really feel he might have been extra sincere about consuming, and stated one thing like, “Can I simply get a soda or espresso? I might like to spend time with you.” 

Anyway, I ended speaking to him, after which he requested me why I wasn’t nonetheless asking. Once I advised him why, he stated he’d advised me to take him out on his birthday. You don’t need my firm till it’s handy for you? Now I’m confused. I believe I’ll search for a good friend some other place. — IGNORED IN THE EAST

DEAR IGNORED: When somebody refuses three invites, it means he isn’t . Do the poor man (and your self) a favor — stop making an attempt to script your relationships and search for friendship elsewhere. 

Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.