DEAR ABBY: I am a young widow in my mid-40s. I have a friend who is a widower almost the same age. We've both been alone for a few years. We have children. I live in a small town.
We've gone out a few times and have spent all day together. We talked, laughed, ate, walked side-by-side and listened to music without a spoken word. We've never even held hands, but have given each other playful pushes, nudges, etc., and have sat close together.
It's been months since we've been out, and I know he's not dating because he told me so. Neither am I. Abby, sometimes I'd like to call him up just to talk, or say, "Let's go out," but I don't want him to think I'm chasing him. I need him as a friend and I miss him.
When we run into each other, that connection is there with just a smile. It feels right. Is this all because we shared the same grief years back, or is there more to it?
A small town can be lonely and people talk. What should I do? -- MISSING HIM WITH A HEAVY HEART
DEAR MISSING HIM: Call him. You have nothing to lose but your loneliness.