Ex’s polite question confuses woman

Dear Amy: I broke up with my ex two months ago. We used to fight a lot. We live far away from each other.

During our time together, he communicated with a lot of random girls. I often felt unhappy and cheated.

I called and confronted him, and he said that because we fight a lot, he got bored with me.

I was so angry that I ended the call and did not contact him after that at all.

Today, I contacted him via text, asking for his help on a work project.

He replied “Sure.” I didn’t reply immediately. And in 15 minutes he pinged me asking what help I needed.

I responded after 40 minutes and told him certain topics I needed tips on. He sent me long messages, detailed with suggestions and tips. I thanked him and said goodbye. But then he asked me “Life’s good?” and “Everything’s fine?”

I responded, “Yes, and you?” He replied back “Good.”

After that I ended the conversation.

I do not understand his reaction to me. I don’t know what is going on!

I miss him and love him dearly. I can’t tell if he is into me and deserves a second chance. What do you think?

Wondering Dear Wondering: It’s time to graduate from middle school. It’s time to value yourself so much that a guy politely asking how you are isn’t an invitation back into a relationship that wasn’t good for you in the first place. “Life’s good?” is just something people say. It’s a polite placeholder.

It sounds as if this man wasn’t a good boyfriend for you, but he might have the makings of being an almostdecent friend. He’s a guy you can ping for work questions, and who will try to be helpful. Someone who is truly into you will offer you a better quality of attention. I hope you feel you deserve it. Dear Amy: Thank you for your response to “Worried,” the aunt (or uncle) who wondered how to spend time with their teenage nephew, who was in legal trouble for drug possession.

Oh, I was that kid. I’m no longer that kid. But I’m so grateful for family members who hung in there with me.

Changed

Dear Changed: Many of us were either that kid, or had that kid in our family. Patience is called for.

Ask Amy,

P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. e-mail: askamy@tribune.com