DEAR ABBY: Because of a sudden, life-threatening illness, I had to leave my job. During the time I worked there, I cultivated (I thought) some great friendships. Now I am heartbroken to realize the friendships I so valued were not valued in return.
One woman broke off our phone conversation with, "I have to take this call. I'll call you right back." It has been nearly six months, and I'm still waiting for that returned call. I know I could have called her back, but I seem to be the only one initiating contact. Perhaps my one or two calls a month became too much for her.
There must be others in similar situations. My question is, should I write this "friendship" off?
-- SADDENED IN TAYLORVILLE, ILL.
DEAR SADDENED: Yes. Some people are so afraid of death that when someone close -- a friend, family member or spouse -- is stricken with a life-threatening illness, instead of stepping forward and offering support, they physically or emotionally run in the opposite direction.
Why cling to this person? When the chips are down, she couldn't face it. And that, in my book, is not true friendship.