ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: I have a new neighbor who recently moved in. She orders a lot of things online, which I have no problem with. However, there’ve been times she’s had her packages shipped to my house or to other neighbors’ homes. Why she does this, I don’t know.

At first, I had no problem with it and would just walk her packages across the street to her porch. But the last time it happened, I took her package to her door and told her to stop using my address for her deliveries. I said if it happened again, I’d return the package to the sender. She got very hostile, called me names and slammed the door in my face.

Was I wrong for doing this? — Peeved by Packages

Dear Peeved: No, you weren’t wrong. You’ve been respectful about this odd arrangement so far, and you gave her fair warning that it mustn’t continue. Her hostile response says more about her than it does about you.

Stick to your word. You’re well within your rights to return her packages to the sender or let the delivery service know what’s not yours. Hopefully, this will incentivize her to use her own address moving forward. This certainly isn’t your responsibility, especially without your permission.

Dear Annie: At the beginning of the year, I met a guy we’ll call “Gus.” In the first couple of months, I felt like things would progress into a relationship. We went to dinner, watched movies and spent the night together multiple times. But once I started a second job, it got harder to see him — or so I told myself.

Since March, Gus hasn’t initiated a single hangout. I’ve asked him to, but he always says he’s busy with family. After ghosting me for almost two months, he showed up at my apartment at 1 a.m. to explain himself. I thought he was drunk, and I regretfully let him stay the night.

A few days later, my grandfather passed away. On the night of the funeral, Gus showed up, this time at 2 a.m., and stayed over again. It’s been over a month since then, and he hasn’t returned my calls or made any effort to see me.

While this has all been happening, I haven’t told my sister about any of it. I’ve been too embarrassed to because I know I’m not being treated the way I deserve. I’m 30, and relationships have always been difficult for me. My sister comes more into play because there’s a guy she’s been wanting me to meet. He’s friendly, family-oriented and has a good job. He got my number and reached out around the time of the funeral. We have a date planned soon.

Gus is still in my life at the moment, but I’m not sure how to go about things. Do I need to tell him about this other guy? Am I a bad person for initiating another conversation while already involved with Gus? — Feeling Like a Floozy

Dear Floozy: You’re not a bad person for entertaining someone who seems genuinely interested in you and ready to offer what you’re looking for. Gus hasn’t shown this capability — and worse, he hasn’t shown the interest in trying.

Between ghosting you, being inconsistent in his communication and showing up at all hours of the night, it’s clear Gus is looking for something casual at most. You don’t owe him anything he isn’t offering in return.

Go on the date, and give this new connection a chance. You deserve to be treated well by someone who is thoughtful, consistent and intentional. And don’t shut your sister out. It sounds like she truly has your best interest at heart, and that’s someone worth keeping in your corner.

Dear Annie: I recently moved into a small building with only eight apartments. Just three days after moving in, I was in a serious car accident that left me hospitalized for two weeks. I’m now back home recovering and on medical leave from work.

Unfortunately, instead of a quiet, supportive environment, I’ve been met with hostility. If I make any noise at all — walking around, watching TV — someone in the building responds by making loud retaliatory noises. I even asked one of the neighbors if I was being too loud, and he cheerfully said, “No, everyone’s noisy,” only to then come into the hallway and deliberately make more noise.

Eventually, I snapped. I yelled for one of my neighbors to shut up and mind his business. Next thing I knew, the police were at my door, claiming that children in the building were frightened. Now patrol cars drive by frequently, and I feel watched and judged. I plan to buy out of my lease and move as soon as I’m physically able.

Please tell me — am I truly the villain here, or did I just land in the twilight zone? — Trying To Rest, Not Rebel

Dear Rest, Not Rebel: You are not the villain. You are recovering from a serious accident and deserve peace, not petty behavior from neighbors. It is no wonder you snapped after repeated passive-aggressive noise.

Still, yelling back only fuels the fire. Until you can move, try to protect your space. A white noise machine, rushing wave sounds or even a fan can help drown out the nonsense and give you some rest.

Some places just are not a good fit. Focus on healing and let this be a short chapter, not the whole story.

Dear Annie: I met a man three months ago, and at first everything felt wonderful. I had just come out of a breakup and wasn’t looking for anything serious, but he was kind, affectionate and made me feel truly seen. He talked about marriage, called often and made me feel special.

But over time, things changed. He started canceling plans last minute and rarely communicated when he did. When I got upset, he said I was giving him red flags. Eventually, I discovered he lied about his name. He admitted it, and I forgave him.

Now he makes excuses not to take me out, says I sound materialistic and accuses me of only caring about his money. We argue a lot, and he rarely makes an effort to show he cares. Recently, I ended things because I felt unappreciated. He told me I was beneath him and that I didn’t deserve to go anywhere. But I still love him, and I can’t seem to let go.

Is there any hope for this relationship? Or am I just holding on to the idea of who I thought he was? — Still Hoping

Dear Hoping: What you are holding on to is not love. It is the memory of how he made you feel in the beginning, not how he treats you now.

This man has lied, withheld communication, canceled on you repeatedly, accused you unfairly and insulted you. That is not love, and it is not a relationship worth saving. You deserve respect, honesty and consistency, not excuses and emotional games.

Letting go is hard, especially when your heart is involved. But staying with someone who tears you down will only keep you stuck. Grieve the loss, but move forward. Real love will never leave you questioning your worth.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.