Annie’s Mailbox: Tell house sitter police probing theft

Dear Annie: An old acquaintance agreed to look in on my cat while I was on vacation. Upon my return, I noticed that the lock had been picked on the door to the room where I keep my valuables. My purses, dressers and closets had been rummaged through. Missing are several antique silver pieces and the contents of my jewelry box. There are dozens of other items I have yet to find.

Since my acquaintance is a respectable, churchgoing woman who wants for nothing, I find it hard to believe she would do such a thing. I asked whether she had let anyone else into my house, and she said, “No.”

There was no forced entry, and no one else had access to my home. What should I do? – Thou Shalt Not Steal

Dear Thou Shalt: Report the theft to the police immediately. It’s possible someone else broke into your home and your friend is unaware of it. She may have accidentally left the door unlocked on one of her trips in or out of the house. And she could be a thief or a kleptomaniac. Don’t accuse her. Simply tell her you noticed several items were missing from your home and notified the police. Say you wanted to let her know because they may need her help.

Dear Annie: I agree with your suggestion that “Lonesome’s” wife should contact the American Cancer Society, but I believe your response lacked compassion for him. This man has bent over backward in his concern.

Cuddling doesn’t always lead to arousal, and sometimes a person just wants to hold the person he loves.

Your assumption that “Lonesome” is only interested in sex is female-biased. Cut him some slack. – Living, Loving without Sex in Illinois

Dear Living: We realize some information was lost in the editing process, but even so, you are right. He obviously loves his wife, and we hope they can work this out.