My girlfriend won't give me a break

DEAR AMY: My girlfriend and I have been together for seven years. For the most part, we have had a very happy and fulfilling relationship. I would attribute 75 percent of our problems and fights to her opinions or actions. I have always been the one to chase her and try to work things out. She responds to our disagreements by running away. A few months ago, while we were having a particularly tough time, I found myself questioning our relationship. I went online and posted two ads on a website asking if anyone was interested in getting together for drinks. I did not receive any real replies. We worked out our issues and moved on. Then she found copies of the ads. She was heartbroken and spent a week away from our apartment and didn't return my calls. Two months later, she claims I don't love her and that I will eventually leave her. I know I was wrong and I admitted it right away. I have never been unfaithful in our seven years together. Am I asking for too much, too fast?Baffled Boyfriend

DEAR BAFFLED: It's hard to defend your girlfriend's actions, except to note that in your world, most things are her fault and you get to decide when to "get over" something.

Ask her to tell you again exactly how she feels. Let her express everything. Acknowledge her feelings as being valid and apologize for causing her pain. If she truly forgives you, let her know that the next time she runs off, you will not chase her.

DEAR AMY: People who worry about marrying someone with an extreme age disparity should know my story. I married a man my age when we were in our 20s. I spent my early 50s being his caregiver when he developed Alzheimer's. People can have disabling conditions at any age, so marrying someone your own age is no guarantee. Love is a rare gift, and age difference doesn't have to be a reason to let it go. Well-Matched