ArcaMax

There is nothing inherently wrong with meeting and developing relationships with people online. I have people in my own life I consider friends who I have never met in person.

Unfortunately for you, this contact is sending you on an emotional roller coaster. The "high" endorphin rush of getting a ping from a guy online lasts for a while, and then you crash when the guy moves on to someone else. You respond to the crash by instinctively searching for a new high. It is a vicious cycle. Unfortunately, each cycle will make you feel worse about yourself, in slow cumulative stages. I hope you will realize this, and use this insight to seek to treat your loneliness in ways that are healthier for you.

Dear Amy: My mother passed away recently, and many family/friends made donations in her name, including thoughtful donations to my child's school.

If there is any problem with the donation (non-receipt of a tax ID letter, non-acknowledgement with a thank you letter, etc.), people have been turning to me to vent their frustration, requesting that I follow up on their behalf to figure out why their donation was not appreciated/acknowledged as they expected.

I appreciate these donations, but I did not solicit them, and I am having a hard time figuring out the best way to handle these requests.

I would simply handle things by myself if I were in their shoes, just as I would with any other glitch regarding a payment or donation for which there wasn't a personal connection, particularly when there is a death or other emotional stress involved in the reason for the original donation.

Any advice?

-- At a Loss

Dear At a Loss: This is happening because people, well, people don't always behave in ideal ways.

You should make sure that you thank each of these people personally for their thoughtfulness (just in case your acknowledgment what they are really asking for).

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