Dear Abby: Years ago, I ended a relationship with a man because he was several inches shorter than me

DEAR ABBY: I dated a coworker when I was 22, but ended the relationship because I couldn’t handle the fact that he was several inches shorter than me. I didn’t tell him why. I just said, “It’s me, not you.”

I am now in my sixties, have had a very successful career, have never married and see online that he has become a leading researcher. From his online photo he now looks like a sweet, older man, and I would do anything to reconnect with him. Would this be foolish?

Was I too insensitive at 22 to understand that I had probably hurt him? Do you think he would forgive me if I contacted him now? He lives far away, so a personal meeting is out of the question in the short term. Would an email be okay? He is in his early seventies and not married. — STUPID THEN IN OHIO

DEAR ‘STUPID’: At 22, you weren’t insensitive; you were superficial. Look at this from that man’s perspective. What should he think when, forty years after a colleague dumped him, he receives an email saying, “It’s me, not you”? Remember, no matter how successful he is now, he is no bigger. My advice is to leave it alone, find someone you are physically attracted to, who lives closer geographically, appreciates how successful you have been in your career and is open to a relationship.

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A NOTE TO PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN: If your little ones are heading out for trick-or-treating tonight, make sure they are supervised to ensure their safety. Happy Halloween, everyone! – LOVE, ABBY

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Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was created by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.