Today, readers respond to recent columns written about first dates and exes.

CALLIE: I had two terrible first dates in the same week from an online dating website.

Number 1: We went out for appetizers and drinks. The conversation was flowing pretty well. Suddenly, an hour in, the man leaned in aggressively and started kissing and touching me. I had to forcefully push him away. He tried again, and would hardly take no for an answer. When I told him I had to leave because I had to work tomorrow, he tried to convince me to go back to his hotel room with him. I left and got into the nearest cab.

Number 2: I had been talking to a man for about a week. He described himself as "artsy" and ready for "a real relationship." We planned to meet at 7 p.m. At 7, he texted he would be there at 7:30. He showed up at 8.

He spent the whole time talking about himself. After about an hour, two ladies came up to the bar to order a drink, and he turned to talk to them, and was clearly flirting. He turned his back to me and engaged in a 15-minute conversation with them. He didn't notice that I had left for 15 minutes. Then he sent me a string of nasty texts, calling me immature and a bunch of other names.

I've learned it's better to cut your losses and walk out rather than subject yourself to poor treatment. One major red flag, and I'm out!

DEBBIE: Jim and I dated several years ago. We stopped dating but remained friends. When I started dating Joe, I told him in the beginning that I was still friends with Jim and didn't intend to end the friendship. Joe and I dated for about six months.

Shortly after we broke up, Jim and I began dating again, and we got married. I told Jim that I intended to remain Joe's friend. We all hung out together on many occasions. Since I was honest with my husband, he wasn't threatened.

Eventually, Jim and Joe became best friends, and I was the third wheel whenever we all went somewhere. Joe got married, and now we get together as friends at least once a week. My husband and I are considered an uncle and aunt to their children. I think that if no one hides anything, if everything is out in the open, and if everyone is secure in their relationship, it can work beautifully.

CHARLOTTE: Maybe I'm wrong, but I want no contact with my ex. The funny thing is, we live around the corner from each other. I look the other way if I see him. Otherwise, I'm afraid we would become sexually involved, and that would not be healthy for either of us. I don't ever want to see him, whether he's alone or with someone else.

We broke up 10 years ago. He cheated on me with one of his girlfriends, and now she has an attitude like she's better than me because he chose her over me. So I stay away from him and his girlfriends as much as possible. My neighbors used to tell me any time he drove by the house, but they don't anymore, and I am glad.

Got a problem? Send it, along with your questions and rants to cheryllavinrapp@gmail.com. And check out my e-book, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front."