Ghosted Reader Misses Situationship
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently was in a relationship with a boy who was never officially my boyfriend. However, we went on dates almost every week and often hung out. We progressed like this for three months until he went radio silent. I was hurt at first, especially since he made it seem like he wanted more. My friends even thought that he was more serious about our relationship than I was. I've been trying to get over him, but I can't. I've tried going on dates with other people, but I still think about him, even after he ghosted me. How can I move past him? I can't believe a boy who was never my boyfriend is making me feel like this. I don't know what to do. -- Missing My Ex-Situationship
DEAR MISSING MY EX-SITUATIONSHIP: This ghosting phenomenon that is all the rage now is such a cowardly act, in my opinion. If you are with someone and no longer want to be, say something. Why would you spend time with a person and then just disappear? It makes no sense to me. I think it is rude and unkind.
That said, for you, it is clear this young man is gone, so you must pivot. It may take time to let go of him emotionally since you grew to like him a lot. But you must. Fill your time with other activities. Stay busy and remind yourself that you are worth more than someone ignoring you. Try not to get too frustrated with yourself for having to deal with your feelings. That's natural. Don't give in and try to get him back. You are worth more than that.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college student and have two tattoos thus far. I have a butterfly on my wrist and a matching tattooed heart behind my ear with my mom. For the past two years, I've been contemplating getting a third. I want a small sunflower on my inner forearm like the ones that my mom grew at my childhood home. The only issue is, I can't really imagine myself with any more tattoos. I'm also scared of having too many tattoos and appearing unprofessional when I start job hunting after college. What do you think? Do you think I should get a stencil and see what the tattoo would look like? Do employers still find tattoos inappropriate? -- Tatted Student
DEAR TATTED STUDENT: I'm old school in this regard. I do think in certain business environments, tattoos can be an impediment; therefore, I recommend small tattoos in obscure places if you want them. That said, I also live in this world, where many people are tatted up with full sleeves (an armful of tattoos) and all manner of art inking their bodies. Because there are so many types of work in the world now, it is possible to look however you want and find a job that's right for you. My opinion, however, is to limit the permanent changes you make to your body. You may not want them down the line, and they could impact your work opportunities.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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