DEAR ABBY: One of my close friends may be "ghosting" me. "Sarah" and I have known each other since middle school. We went to high school together and roomed together during our freshman year of college. We both transferred to different schools after that freshman year, but we made it a point to keep in touch. I was the first person she came out to. I helped her move into her new apartment the summer before grad school. In general, I think I've been a good friend to her.

Last summer we both moved back to our hometown -- she for med school and I for a new job. I was excited that after five years we were living in the same city again. I have reached out to her on multiple occasions, but my texts and calls usually go unanswered. When I do get a response, it's typically, "Sorry! I'm just too swamped!"

I don't doubt that med school is incredibly difficult, and I completely understand that that's where her focus should be, but over the holidays I reached out once again and was given the same answer. I know she made time to see another friend -- her best, who ranks higher than I do in the "who to see" list. It still hurt.

Am I being too sensitive? Too self-centered? I'm worried that this is Sarah's way of breaking ties with me and I'm just not taking the hint. An outsider's point of view would really help, even if it's a harsh truth. -- LEFT HANGING IN MIAMI

DEAR LEFT HANGING: When people are in med school, they must carefully organize their time because the curriculum is demanding. Things that are not essential are often postponed, and that includes social relationships.

As you said, you and Sarah are not as close as Sarah and her best friend are. While it may sting, look at it as a mature adult and don't let it drag you down. If Sarah says she's "swamped," have faith that when she's under less pressure, there will be time to re-establish the friendship.

DEAR ABBY: My husband does not seem to be able to "hit the toilet," if you know what I mean. I am tired of wiping up the bottom of the toilet seat and the floor. We have talked about this and he always says he's sorry and promises to be more careful. Today I told him that I am no longer cleaning up the toilet seat or the floor. He misses, he cleans.

What advice do you have to solve this problem? -- BETTER THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK

DEAR BETTER THINGS: Keep a roll of paper towels or an extra roll of toilet paper on top of the toilet. When you see your husband's aim has been sloppy, call him in and have him mop up his mess. If that doesn't get him to pay more attention, and there is a second bathroom in your home, have him use the other one until he is housebroken.

DEAR ABBY: I was in a six-year relationship with a woman. We shared a home and have a child together, whom I support. She has primary custody, and I provide financial support and exercise my visitations regularly.

We broke up six months ago and she immediately moved a man into the house. Since they split up, she has done this again with a new person.

I have moved on and am content being single and focusing on my career and parenting my son when he's with me. Where I struggle is when these new men want to meet me. I don't feel obligated to shake their hands, be polite and friendly or be a supportive, smiling face.

I'm disturbed by the speed she moves into other relationships. I feel like it sets a bad example for my son regardless of how "nice" these men are. There is no record of abuse, and I do believe my ex is a good mother, just maybe lonely and very dependent on having companionship.

I understand life goes on and people move on, but at what point is this unhealthy? Am I wrong for not wanting to be friends with my ex and her new "guy friend" whenever she decides she should be accompanied for custody exchange? I refuse to speak to or acknowledge these men. I am not confrontational, but I literally have nothing to say. Any advice how to handle this moving forward? -- FAKING SMILES

DEAR FAKING SMILES: I subscribe to the philosophy that one can never have enough friends. You don't have to approve of your ex's boyfriends, but it is in your child's best interest to maintain a relationship that approximates cordiality. It won't hurt you to shake hands and be on a first-name basis with the men who occupy space in your son's life even temporarily. When we can't change something, sometimes we have to accept it -- and that's what you would be wise to do.

DEAR ABBY: I'm sure there are many others who would like to know this: I'm trying to downsize. I have a World Book Encyclopedia set from the '70s, plus yearbooks I'd like to find a home for. My kids are gone and living on their own, and the books haven't been opened in years. I refuse to throw them in the recycling bin. Any ideas? -- JOY IN NEW YORK

DEAR JOY: I did a quick search online to see what other people might be doing with their old encyclopedias. A solution popped up that might help you: Immigrants who are learning English as a second language may be able to use them if you offer them in a yard sale. A high school in your area might also be able to use them.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have a 19-month-old son and plan on trying for another baby soon. My husband's brother, who is sterile, called and asked my husband to donate sperm to him. I am very upset because my husband refuses to ask his brother to make any kind of compromises to protect our family and theirs, such as counseling to resolve any issues ahead of time.

Before we were serious about each other, my husband donated to his brother's first wife. His brother wanted to keep it a secret from everyone -- including the children -- but his wife told all of her friends.

What should I do? My husband is afraid he's going to lose his brother if he doesn't give him everything he wants, but the person he is really going to lose is me. -- CONFUSED IN THE SOUTH

DEAR CONFUSED: I hope you won't let your husband's generous impulses have a negative impact on your marriage. I agree that counseling could help to head off future problems that might crop up -- if your husband and his brother would agree to it. But while you're at it, this should also be discussed with a lawyer just in case your brother-in-law's second marriage goes south, too.

As to keeping all of this a secret -- because wife No. 1 has made public the fact that the children aren't biologically his, the chances of the information being kept secret are slim to none.

DEAR ABBY: Since the lottery for the big jackpot was in the news, my co-workers and I have discussed the etiquette regarding sharing the winnings with whomever may have given you the ticket. For instance, if somebody has an uncle who gives lottery tickets as a gift on birthdays or holidays as opposed to a standard gift, and the recipient hits the winning numbers, is there a fixed percentage that's customary to give?

None of us is actually in this situation; it just became part of our discussion. Thanks for your input. -- OFFICE HOT TOPIC

DEAR HOT TOPIC: Once a gift is given, it belongs to the recipient. The recipient would be under no obligation to share the winnings with the person who gifted him or her with the ticket, nor should it be expected. However, if the gift giver does expect a percentage, then this should be worked out before the drawing.

DEAR ABBY: I'm 15 and I'm a lesbian. I've told my friends, but they don't accept me. They say they do, but when I talk about other girls, they say, "Don't talk about girls around us. We're not gay!" I don't know what to do. Please help. -- LGBT IN GEORGIA

DEAR LGBT: Your friends probably do accept you, but would prefer not to hear all the details you feel the need to share. It's time you find a youth group for gay teenagers. Go online, visit lgbtcenters.org and search for the nearest gay and lesbian community center in your area. If you do, you will see that the support you are looking for isn't hard to find. I wish you luck.

TO MY READERS: Today's the day for wearing something green! A very happy St. Patrick's Day to you all. -- LOVE, ABBY