Distance is testing the strength of military couple’s relationship

Dear Abby: I’ve been in a long-distance relationship for 2 1/2 years. We are now engaged, but haven’t set a date for our wedding.

We are both in the military, and we have maintained this relationship well. But there was a time before we dated that I was dating someone else. I ended that relationship, but haven’t healed from it because I see him, and I still have feelings for him.

He lives in my neighborhood, and I enjoy talking to him. I want someone close.

— Caught Between

Two

Dear Caught: What is going on isn’t fair to the man you are engaged to. If he knew, I’m sure he would agree. Do not chalk this up to “when I’m not with the man I love, I love the one I’m with.” Be honest about what you really want and follow through.

Dear Abby: I am a hairstylist with a client who was referred to me by a mutual friend, “Rita,” from high school. The client, who’s close friends with Rita, is picky and a terrible tipper.

She box colors her hair at home, but comes to me for her haircuts. I offer her 10% off of her haircut for prebooking, so she gets a $35 service for $31.50. She usually tips me $3.50. Cutting her hair is a chore, because she’s never completely happy. If she were anyone else, I’d part ways with her. Is there a discreet way to end this business/ client relationship?

— Cutting Her Out

Dear Cutting: Handle this by telling Rita what you have written to me and explaining that the two of them may be friends, but you no longer want the woman as a client. Then sweetly tell the woman the next time she calls that your professional relationship doesn’t seem to be a good fit.