Hot-and-cold boyfriend drops all communication

Dear Abby: I was in a relationship (nine months) up until about a month ago when the guy I was seeing ghosted me without any warning. We had a great conversation on a Thursday night, and Friday morning he blocked my calls, email, etc. I have no idea what happened.

The night before, I accidentally FaceTimed him (my phone was in my pocket), and his son answered. I thought he had called me, but apparently, I called him. I had never met his son the entire time we were together. This isn’t the first time he has stopped speaking to me for reasons only he knows, but this is the first time he has gone this far.

I’m trying to move past it, but I’m having a hard time. I talked to him about everything, and we had such great times together. I want some closure, but I don’t know what to do. Do I need to just let this go? — Ghosted Again In Alabama Dear Ghosted Again:

Your ex may have been upset because his son didn’t know he was seeing anyone. I’m not a mind reader, and neither are you. You stated that this isn’t the first time he has given you the silent treatment. A relationship based on such immaturity and poor communication skills would not be healthy for you anyway. Stanch your bleeding and move on. You have my sympathy.

Dear Abby: My mother, who is 85, lives under the domination of my 88-year-old father. After retirement, Dad has remained active and has taken up hobbies that fill the entire house. Mom was an award-winning photographer, but medical issues now prevent her from enjoying that activity. She had a keyboard she felt comfortable playing, but only when Dad was away. My father tends to be very critical, which is why she would only play in private.

Recently, thinking Mom no longer used it, my dad donated her keyboard. He said it was taking up space. Mom recently confided to me that she was devastated when it happened. I would like to purchase another keyboard for her, but I don’t want her to feel betrayed. I’m not sure if I should talk with Dad about it beforehand. He is sure to ask Mom why she didn’t say something the first place, thus putting her in an uncomfortable position. Any suggestions? — Loving Daughter In Washington Dear Daughter: Have a chat with dear old Dad. Tell him what you plan to do and why. If he expresses puzzlement about why you’re doing it, point out that between the two of them his is the dominant personality, which may be why your mother didn’t speak up on her own behalf. While you’re at it, suggest that the next time he has the urge to dispose of your mother’s property, he should first ask how she feels about it. It may be a wake-up call he needs.