DEAR CAT: I dated a guy for more than a year, and we really loved each other. One day he told me that we needed to take a break. I was heartbroken. I didn't know what to do. Now things are very awkward between us because he has a new girlfriend. She was in the background of our relationship, and he always said they were just friends, and she even told me that she wasn't trying to get together with him. But I just found out they started dating weeks ago. I explained to him that it's not fair what he's doing, but he won't listen to me. He just says, "whatever" or "stop, we can't talk about this." He told me he would always love me and be there for me, but now he won't even talk to me. Everyone tells me to give him time and space and that he'll come around, but I don't know. Should I just let him go and try to move on? -- HEARTBROKEN & CONFUSED

Do you want to ask a question? Send an e-mail to questions@ catscall.com or write to:

Catherine Specter
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
34 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222

... or visit her Web site at catscall.com

DEAR H&C: Give him space to do what? Lie, cheat and play his new girlfriend like he did with you? I can tell you're heartbroken, and I'm sorry for it. You should understand that words of love and promises of "always" have the same shelf life as the relationship. No matter how hard it seems, you should definitely, absolutely, no doubt, let him go. I am 100 percent certain you will soon see how much he and that woman deserve each other -- and how much more you deserve. There shouldn't be any awkwardness at this point.

Cat's Call: There should be nothing between you and any man who responds to your pain with the ever clever "whatever."

DEAR CAT: I gave a friend a 30-ounce jar of colossal cashews for Christmas. Now he's in the hospital with diverticulitis. I can't stop thinking it's my fault. Is it? -- MAKING ME NUTS

DEAR NUTS: Cat's Call: Only if you force-fed him.

DEAR CAT: How do I deal with a friend who thinks it is fine to ignore text messages for three days with the excuse that her cell phone was in her pocketbook all weekend, or she neglects to call when she stays on vacation for an extra week? This is my supposed best friend. I do not take this personally, as I have known her to do it to others (including her own mother). However, I finally blew up about it and let her know that I needed to talk to her in person about this. Of course, she is not responding to my request. Any suggestions? -- IGNORED

DEAR IGNORED: Didn't you know that cell phones don't work inside purses and while you're on vacation? You blew up because you have taken it personally, and for good reason! Best friends don't leave each other hanging or make each other worry needlessly. Only a "supposed" best friend would do that -- and that's obviously what you have in her. Stop calling, texting and smoke signaling.

Cat's Call: She knows your number (oh, does she ever).