The girl I dated for 18 months in university broke up with me when school ended because she got into law school and was worried about not having the time to commit to a relationship.  
She says she still loves me and wishes we were together, and that when she’s feeling like dating again, she’ll come to me.
But I don't know if I believe it. I think about her all the time and wish we’d given things a chance instead of giving up on it. I want to tell her these things but I’m worried about seeming insecure, so for now I’m trying my best to be a good friend.
Ultimately I want to get back together. How do I make her see that a relationship doesn't have to be a burden on her life?
- Still Hoping

You’re both insecure but approaching it differently. She has legitimate worries - that she’ll not be devoted enough to her demanding courses and that she’ll not give the relationship enough to keep it going.  
Your concerns are about losing her emotional connection to you. But, if you respond as a friend and support her through this period of adjustment she must experience as she begins law school, her appreciation of you will only increase.
Don’t pressure her, stay supportive and recognize yourself that a relationship can evolve through many life phases, so long as neither side panics and totally disengages.

Three years ago I married and moved to this small, unique touristy town an hour's drive from the city. Initially, I’d visit the city see my girlfriends; after 50 years of living in the same city, I missed them.
Though invited here, they don’t visit me – one even admitted being too “lazy.” Two others shopped here for a day and didn’t call! Only one friend regularly makes the trek here and sometimes stays overnight.
I don’t know many people here and feel abandoned by old friends. It was hard enough starting a new life with my husband who I met later in life. It's hard to make friends at 52.
The town has no social scene and closes up at 5 p.m.  I’ve met a couple of friendly ladies, but we get together only rarely.
I’ve come to dislike living here and I'd prefer moving a half-an-hour closer to the city. Then perhaps it wouldn't be so difficult for these people to visit and I wouldn't feel so sad.
But we're not moving, at least for a couple of years.  So now what?
- So Lonely

The one who moves away is the one who must make the special effort to keep old friends and make new ones. Yes, some of your lazier, busier, or highway-phobic friends will fall off, unless you always do the travelling to them.
If the connection matters that much to you, keep up frequent email and phone contact and commit to making a regular city visit, say, once a month, or stay for a week with a pal, every few months.
Back in your new town, it’s again up to you to build a network and create occasions for get-togethers. Start a book club with those local women and their friends; host a pot luck supper; volunteer at the library, church, or nearest hospital.
It takes time for small-town people to accept newcomers in their tight midst, that’s reality. But at 52, you still have the energy, wisdom, experience and skills to handle this!

I was disappointed with a birthday gift from my brother and told my father. “Bro” was eavesdropping, went into a rage, stomped out and has avoided me since.
I apologized profusely in writing and attempted to see him, but he wouldn’t open his door. He’s set a timeline to begin talking to me again … on my upcoming birthday.
I’m resenting his nose thumbing and "deadline.” We’re both mid-20s. I don't want to buy him a birthday gift this year.
- Fed-Up Sibling

A continued sibling feud isn't worth the harm it does long-term. “Bro” had a right to be insulted; you showed no discretion or caring regarding his gift.
Be gracious and apologetic when you see him - and give him a present on his birthday. You have years ahead when having a brother may be the best gift of all, especially when you both face life’s more serious challenges.