Eric Combs’ column ‘Don’t be tacky when breaking a heart’ was really great,

One of my friends recommended I pick up the paper to read the column because I seem to have been a recent victim of the first brutal break-up method: the cold shoulder.

Friends had tried to counsel me, saying it was probably a misunderstanding.

At first, they said, “Oh, his phone is probably broken,” then, “He’s probably with family for the holidays,” and now, finally, “Perhaps he’s dead.”

Well, either way, he’s definitely not been calling or texting me back.

Combs’ column has confirmed for me that I should probably give up hope of hearing from this guy ever again. Is it truly tragic that I am hoping to UPGRADE to brutal break-up method three: the break-up text message.

Yes, being both foolish and female, I decided it was a good idea to text him and ask if he did want to see me again. I didn’t even get a reply to that, though.

I handed him a golden opportunity to reply with a simple “No” or perhaps a nice “Screw you,” and even that wasn’t deemed worthy of a reply.

I met the guy in question at a costume party. An inspired and rockin’ costume apparently does not guarantee a fifth date. At least I know for next time.

By sharing my sad story, I am making an impassioned plea to all of the OU guys out there: Please, be a man when ditching your date.

Telling her you don’t want to see her anymore might be awkward, but it’s undoubtedly a lot less awkward than the ensuing round of texts and voicemails from a hopeful young lady asking if you’re free at the weekend, dwindling gradually into ‘So...what happened to you?’

Thank you, Eric Combs, for waking me up to the sad truth. I have been dumped.

Charlotte Wainright, Meteorology graduate student