A driving secret

DEAR ANNIE

Dear Annie: For the past two months, I’ve been dating a man; let’s call him ”Matt.” Matt, like me, is in his early 30s. He is a manager at a local coffee shop, which doesn’t sound too exciting, but he’s actually really passionate about it. I find that more attractive than someone’s working at a bigtime corporation but hating it.

Anyway, Matt and I have been on about six dates, and I’ve really enjoyed each one. But I’m starting to suspect that he’s hiding something. I think that he doesn’t have a driver’s license.

Every time we’ve gone out, I’ve driven or we’ve taken public transportation or used a ride-hailing service. He’s had excuses week after week. First it was that he’d lent his car to his little brother for two weeks to go on a crosscountry road trip. Now it’s supposedly been in the shop for over a month. He doesn’t drink, so I have no way of sneaking a peek to see whether he has a driver’s license when we go out.

I’m wondering whether I should confront Matt about the issue or just wait for him to come clean. I don’t mind driving or taking cabs (he always offers to pay for my gas or the fares), but I don’t like being lied to. What gives? — Mystified in Miami

Dear Mystified: It’s possible there’s a personal reason for his not driving that he’s not ready to reveal at this stage in the relationship. For instance, he may have lost his license because of a DUI and then decided to stop drinking. Or he may just be telling you the truth. Wait a few more weeks to see whether he opens up on his own accord. If not, steer the conversation there yourself. Politely but directly ask him what’s up with the no-driving thing. He’ll come clean, or he’ll reassure you that he’s telling the truth. (Your gut will let you know whether it’s the whole truth.) If he becomes defensive and enraged over a simple question, time to throw it in reverse and back out of this relationship.