Dear Abby: BF wants alone time with ex & her family

Dear Abby: I’ve been dating a great guy for a year and a half. For eight years before we met, he dated a woman with teen daughters. He never had children, so they are as close to his own kids as he’ll ever have. He was invited to the graduation party of one of the girls. It will be a weeklong trip, as they have moved cross country. He plans to stay and visit with the girls and his old girlfriend. I’m grudgingly OK with that.

The part I’m having trouble with is that he told me he won’t call or text me while he is gone. He has apologized in advance but says he wants to concentrate on the girls and have a break from everything. We usually talk every day, and this seems extreme, as he will be spending a week with the woman who broke up with him and left him heartbroken (his words). He realizes his behavior isn’t normal and assures me we are OK, but I’m so hurt. Am I right to be this upset, and how do I get past this?

— Silent Treatment in Illinois

Dear Silent Treatment: I understand why you’d find it upsetting that your boyfriend has decided to go radio silent under these circumstances. It is a radical change of behavior, and I’m sure most women would be taken aback. Before he leaves, ask that he send you a text confirming he has arrived safely, and another telling you when he’s started back and expects to be home.

The way to “get past this” is to stay very busy in his absence. Make plans with friends during the evenings so you won’t be sitting alone at home, stewing. And when he returns, do NOT give him the third degree.