Dear Eric: While in grad school, I got a call from my ex-girlfriend saying her oldest child, then five years old, was my son. We met and she showed me pictures. She was married and she didn’t ask for anything. She just wanted me to know.

In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who is having trouble maintaining an adult friendship.

I have suggested meeting for coffee before work or dinner after work, but my friend does not want to spend any time away from the family.