Communication with friend a one-way street

DEAR ABBY » A friend of mine from college (I graduated four years ago) is incredibly kind but terrible at keeping in touch. She has never been good at responding to texts, but now that we no longer live in the same area, we don’t communicate.

When she invited me to her wedding, I was surprised because when she got engaged, I reached out to congratulate her and asked for the story of the proposal, and she never responded. Her wedding reception was postponed because of COVID-19, but I watched the Zoom event.

I knew it was hard on her, so I have reached out every month or so for the past four months to tell her I’m thinking of her, but she never replies. I mailed her a card for her wedding, which she also did not acknowledge. She sees my Instagram posts, and I’m connected with her sister and brother-in-law on social media, so I know no harm has come to her, and her cellphone is working.

I miss my friend, but I’m conflicted about whether I should RSVP “yes” to the postponed reception. Normally, I would assume silence means someone doesn’t want to continue a friendship, but she invited me and a plus-one. Should I accept or reach out to a mutual friend to see what’s going on?

— Holding onto Friendship

DEAR HOLDING » You stated that your friend has never been good at responding. The message she’s sending through her extended silence is that you are no longer as important in her life as you were before. Your geographical separation may have something to do with it.

If you would like to attend her reception — when and if it is held — respond affirmatively to the invitation.