Hello Meredith,

I met someone a few months ago and we had a great first date. So great that we stayed out and talked until it got too cold. We chatted every day and night — he even took me to run errands. We slept together and things were progressing, but then … he lost his job. And got moody. I understand, it’s really rough. He kept apologizing for being withdrawn but said that was how he was raised. He only ever had himself to rely on. We still saw each other but only once a week. Then he had to take a part-time cleaning job (after being a manager) while getting turned down on multiple interviews.

He kept saying that he really cared for me but couldn’t commit fully while so stressed out. I got that. Then on our last date he had to cancel because his pet got really sick. I haven’t heard from him since and that was three weeks ago. He did a two-week disappearance before but I was able to finally get ahold of him.

I texted him the code word he told me to use if I ever really need him so he’d know to respond. Two days later and nothing. Should I just give up on this? He told me I’m his and not to see anyone else, but then he disappears.

– Very Confused