Upcoming move prompts friend to reveal true feelings

Dear Abby: I have been in love with my best friend for two years.

We talk on the phone for hours and text each other daily. We hang out in groups mostly. We rarely spend time alone. When we are together, our chemistry is undeniable. Everyone sees our connection. They’re confused when we say we’re not dating.

I kind of expressed my feelings about a year ago, but he said he wasn’t ready to date anyone. Since then, we have grown closer. His actions lead me to believe that he feels the way I do, but he won’t make a move or tell me his feelings.

I’m moving in five months. I haven’t told him how I feel because I don’t want his affection or our frequent communication to stop. Do I tell him my feelings again and risk being rejected? Or should I just tell him I am moving and see if he admits his true feelings for me? — Deep In The Heartbreak Of Texas

Dear Deep: Obviously, this person cares for you to some degree. Tell him how you feel face-to-face while you still can. That you care so much for him is a compliment. However, if he still doesn’t feel as strongly for you as you hope, once you move, I hope you will regard it as an opportunity to meet new people and form new relationships until you find a special someone who reciprocates your feelings. Trust me, he is out there.

Dear Abby: I have read many letters in your column about families who have all sorts of problems with their children, spouse, in-laws, parents and other family members. They make me wonder how I got so lucky.

My husband and I raised four children and they could not be more of a blessing. We text each other every day. I text a daughter in Hawaii at night to let her know I’m OK. They call, they send cards. One son sent me flowers for several years on his birthday, with a card saying, “Thank you for having me.”

My heart aches for parents who don’t have what I have. I hope they will find some peace later. To my four children: Thank you for the happiness you have brought me over the years. — Georgia Mom

Dear Georgia Mom: Problems are the basis of my column. There are many functional, happy families, but few of them take time to write and share that.

You are a great parent, and deserve congratulations. However, there is an element of luck in parenting. I have heard from parents who devoted themselves to giving all they could to their children, and their children did not turn out as well as yours. I agree that your family is fortunate to recognize their blessings, chief among them each other.