DEAR HARRIETTE: I just got a call out of the blue from my ex-boyfriend's most recent ex-girlfriend. I loved this man for many years, and he turned out to be a heartbreaker. We broke up eventually because it was too hard for me to be with him and know that there were other women lurking in the wings. It was too bad because he has lots of wonderful characteristics, but being faithful isn't one of them. He and I have remained friends. The only downside to that is what just happened. He gives his exes my number to talk to me when things go south. I don’t want to get involved in his messy love life. What should I do when I receive these calls? I feel bad not answering, because usually the woman is distraught. -- Drawing the Line, Milwaukee
DEAR DRAWING THE LINE: You need to re-evaluate whether your friendship with this man is worth it. It sounds like he is sending his “roadkill” to you to clean up. What kind of a friend does that? Based on what you have described, he is manipulating you, his former girlfriend, to manage his continued bad behavior. You need to tell him to stop making you the go-between for his foibles. He needs to be responsible for his behavior, not pawn it off on you.
Further, you need to have a serious talk with him about why he continues to be unthoughtful and cruel to the women he dates. What is that? And seriously, ask yourself why you continue to stick around.