ArcaMax

Is he spinning tall tales? I have never felt this way about anyone ever, so I don't want to believe the worst about him. But I am also insecure because of the distance between us, so I am second-guessing things. Do you have any advice for me?

-- Worried

Dear Worried: Red flags here are: This man's sudden appearance in your life, after five years. Claiming to love you when you don't really know one another. Offering to move to your country when you haven't met in person. Having the gall to steal an artist's work that is not his own, and the hubris to double down by lying when you confronted him.

It is very easy to be taken in and to actually fall for someone who is persistent and compelling. Trust me here. This man has done this before with other women. More digging on your part would likely reveal this.

Please reconsider having any further contact with him -- the deeper you allow yourself to be drawn in, the more painful his eventual betrayal will be.

The good news is that you can fall for someone. If you are open toward other relationships and continue to be smart and careful, you will feel this way again.

Dear Amy: Our 27-year-old daughter's boyfriend just broke up with her. They had been in a loving relationship for more than two years, and we had enthusiastically welcomed him into our family.

As my daughter struggles, I am struggling too. Our family loved this young man and we feel blindsided and betrayed, as it was so unexpected.

He has not contacted us. Everything about their relationship looked like "forever," and I know in my head I was planning their wedding and grandkids.

I understand my daughter is heartbroken and I am trying to be there for her, but it's hard because I feel so depressed too. I know it's not about me, but I am surprised at the depth of my sadness. Any guidance?

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