DEAR ABBY: I have been seeing a certain man for about eight months. We get along wonderfully most of the time. However, when we're out in public, he is very cold to me and standoffish.
Four months ago, we were at a trade show where he ran into friends of his and stood and talked for 15 minutes without ever introducing me. I finally walked off.
The same thing happened again on Mother's Day. Some friends of his approached, and they visited awhile. The difference this time was one of the men in the group noticed me standing there and interrupted the conversation to introduce himself, as did everyone else then. My so-called boyfriend never said a word.
As we were leaving, the main speaker at the clinic where we were stopped him and asked, "Is this your wife?" -- which I am not, but I also am not as he introduced me. He replied, "No, this is my friend." (We are intimate!)
I do not like the way my boyfriend treats me in public, and I am tired of his being noncommittal. Am I being unreasonable? -- TIRED IN COMANCHE, TEXAS
DEAR TIRED: Your "boyfriend" either was never taught good manners, or he is so into himself that he has no concern for your feelings. Instead of pretending you were part of the pattern on the wallpaper and ignoring your presence, he should have immediately introduced you.
What happened at the clinic should be your wake-up call. Although you are intimate and consider him to be your "boyfriend," he has stated publicly that he considers you only a friend. (With benefits!) If that's how you wish to be regarded, then continue seeing him. If not, give your ego an enormous boost and walk away. He's obviously still looking, and so should you.