Dear Abby: Busy office worker's solitude shattered when man horns in on her break time

DEAR ABBY: I work nine hours a day in a mental health clinic talking to the clients and doing billing and collections among many other things. I love my job. The problem is that when I step outside to take a break, I want it to be my quiet time. Most people say a quick “hi,” and that’s fine, but a man in the business downstairs from me comes out and chats every time.

He calls me by the wrong name (which I have not corrected) and talks while I respond with the bare minimum to show I’m not interested. Is there a nice way to say I am not interested in his company while I am on break? DECOMPRESSING IN WISCONSIN DEAR DECOMPRESSING: Yes, but it will take backbone on your part.

The next time you see this person, tell him there are two things about you he needs to know. They are: Your name isn’t “Joan,” and when you take a break from the pressure of your job, you would like to do it ALONE. DEAR ABBY: I have been with my abusive husband for almost 30 years. I made several attempts to leave him, which resulted in him stalking me and threatening to seriously harm me and our children.

Despite all his threats and abuse, I was forced to allow him to take our children unsupervised. I would end up going back so I could be present when he was around the children. Our youngest just moved out and, surprisingly, my husband has calmed down. I am going to leave, and I’m looking for places out of state where he won’t be able to find me.

Honestly, I’m terrified. How do I move somewhere new and start over alone? ANONYMOUS IN THE U.S. DEAR ANONYMOUS: Because you feel you may be in danger if you follow through with your plan to leave your abuser and start a new life, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Its toll free phone number is: 800 799 7233.

The people there can help you formulate a safe way to escape. I wish you good luck and a MUCH happier life..