DEAR HARRIETTE: My ex-boyfriend texts me way too casually. Just a week after our breakup, he texted me with his weekend plans, completely unprovoked. I responded a few hours later, and the conversation ended there. Now he attempts to text me like we didn't date for years! What gives? I thought everyone knew saying that we would "stay friends" is a lie. -- Exes and Nos, Charlotte, NC
DEAR EXES AND NOS: Obviously, your ex didn't get the memo! You need to get in touch with him, preferably not via text. Ask him if the two of you can talk. Then, either face-to-face or on the phone, explain to him that it isn't cool for him to be in touch as if you are old buds. Tell him that you need some space between you and that, even though you hope the two of you will stay pleasant with each other, you are not interested in staying an active part of his life. Wish him well. Tell him you intend to live your life, and he should do the same -- without including you in it.