Dear Abby >> I’m a 64-year-old guy. I am single and have two daughters and four grandkids. A young woman (“Sarah”), who is my daughter’s age, and I have been hiking buddies for the past five years. I treat her like my third daughter and a family member. Sarah is married, and her husband does not enjoy hiking. Her husband and my daughters accept our friendship and are happy that I found a person I can hike with.

I have been dating a lady (“Toni”) who is close to my age. Six months ago, I suggested we should spend our lives together. My daughters and Sarah were happy for me. Toni rejected my proposal, citing that I must have some kind of romantic relationship with Sarah.

When I mentioned it to Sarah, she distanced from me. I think she thinks she may have interfered with my relationship with Toni. We’re still friends but not like before. Should I talk to Sarah and ask why she distanced from me? I feel depressed about this and have some remorse. I should not have told her what Toni said.

— Hiker in Colorado

Dear Hiker >> I don’t think you did anything wrong by telling Sarah what Toni implied. You have a right to ask any question you wish of your hiking buddy. You won’t know why your warm five-year relationship with her cooled unless you ask.

What I would like to know is whether you are still dating Toni after she rejected your proposal. If the answer is yes, do you plan to continue, knowing you have no future with her unless you find a male hiking buddy?

Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.