Dear Abby: How to close contact with someone

[cereta]

DEAR ABBY: I recently met this guy at a private event. We got to talking, and he gave me his social media information. We have been messaging each other ever since. He has been acting increasingly obsessed, and it's making me uncomfortable. He acts like we've known each other for years. I don't know how to tell him I don't want to talk to him anymore. What are your thoughts? -- RESERVED GUY IN MASSACHUSETTS

DEAR RESERVED GUY: My thought is that because his messages are making you uncomfortable, you should respond to them slowly, briefly and then not at all. It would be kinder than ghosting him.

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Comments

[cereta]

Um, how is what Abby is describing not "ghosting"? It's just slow ghosting rather than immediate, no?

[ethelmay]

My reaction entirely. Also, why would you not block someone who has acted this way?

[katiedid717]

It's a slow fade, which is separate from ghosting.

[onlysmallwings]

It's free to block someone. LW, you don't owe this dude your precious time.

[movingfinger]

This is like advice my mother would give. Just block him, LW.

[conuly]

I don't know how to tell him I don't want to talk to him anymore.

"You're making me uncomfortable, and I don't want to talk to you anymore. Do not contact me again."

And then block block block block block before he can respond.

Or just block without telling him, and he'll get the hint.

[ethelmay]

Oh, wait. I just noticed LW is a guy. That might explain why he sounds like this kind of thing has never happened to him before. At any rate I get the impression it happens to women a lot more.