Dear Annie: I’ve been involved in a long-distance relationship for over two-and-a-half years. We have never met but have emailed each other for all this time. I’m in Tennessee, and she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, but her job has her in Seattle quite a bit. We are both 70 years old. She seems to be into me, and I’m into her.

I’ve tried to meet her many times, offering to fly out to Seattle or even meet in Las Vegas. She always tells me she has to think about it and, of course, I never get an answer. I’ve even asked her why she won’t meet, but again, of course, no answer.

She has never asked me for money or gifts. I know she went through a tough divorce a long time ago. We’ve all had our rough times, especially at our age. She is a Capricorn and fits the bill to a T. I’m sure you’re going to tell me to call it quits, but my problem is, when I see something I want, I don’t give up. Maybe that’s my weakness!

Tell me I’m crazy, but she has told me I’m starting to break down some of her walls. Am I a fool? — Crazy in the Head

Dear Reader: As hard as it is to hear, this person is nothing more to you than a two-and-a-half-year pen pal, at best. What’s most concerning is that this “woman” hasn’t allowed so much as a phone call in the years you have known her.

If this person really is who they say they are, it’s clear they’re not ready for a romantic relationship (whether that’s really because of her messy divorce or because she doesn’t see you as her next partner, we don’t know). What we do know is that you deserve a relationship that is real and has the potential for a future — and this woman, at least right now, isn’t it.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].