Keep digging to find out why ex is coming home

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This article was published 08/12/2025 (280 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I just heard my ex-girlfriend, who broke up with me to go to university in another country that’s having troubles, is coming home in a big hurry.

I phoned her family’s number and got her mom, and she was only saying her daughter is very upset and she is going to fly there to help her pack and get her back home.

Her mom said pretty loudly, “Don’t call her, unless she calls you!”

What could this be about? I called her best friend and she wouldn’t say anything either.

I feel like I have my hands tied. Now what do I do? I still love her and want to help her if I can.

What can I do?

— Forever Love, Winnipeg

Dear Forever: Since your ex-girlfriend has friends who have remained connected with her, they will no doubt be involved. Call them. Also, phone the mother one more time, say you’re very concerned and ask if there’s any way you can help from here.

She may tell you what’s going on then — or she may not.

When your ex is home and ready, you may be able to talk to her about it, or she may ask you to butt out. Be prepared for that. Good luck. It’s hard not to know, when you still care so much.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: Christmas is coming fast and I’m running out of money for gifts. My sister already has her driver’s licence and says she’ll take me to a dollar store to do my shopping.

Will people think they I cheaped out on them if I do that? I don’t have a job yet.

— Her Brother, age 13, North Kildonan

Dear Brother: People don’t generally care where any gift came from if it’s cute or fun or playful, and makes them smile.

Just don’t go into this gift-giving apologizing that you couldn’t afford something more expensive. That will make people feel embarrassed and wonder if they should even be accepting the gift from you.

What you can do to make an inexpensive gift more fun is buy a card at the dollar store and write a list in it of what you like and appreciate about that friend or relation. That’s what they will keep long after Christmas to take out and read when they feel a little down.

You could even tie a ribbon around the card and envelope to make it a combination card-and-gift.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I am a gay teen, age 14. I just ran into an old girlfriend in the mall and we went for a bite to eat.

Ten minutes later I got a call from my new girlfriend and she just said one word — “Caught!” Then she hung up.

I found out a mutual friend saw us and phoned her and ratted me out. I was just being friendly with my ex ,who has a new girl she’s in love with, anyway.

What now? Please help me fix this before Christmas is ruined.

— Big Jealousy Mess, St. James

Dear Big Jealousy Mess: Don’t put up with your new girlfriend beating you up emotionally and making you feel guilty. Tell her you’ll talk to whomever you please, although never date anyone else during your relationship with her.

If she’s still in a snit after that, ask yourself if you really need a girlfriend who has to completely own you.

Please send your question and comments to lovecaoch@hotmail.com or write Miss Lonelyhearts at the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave. Winnipeg MB R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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