The first two e-mails that I sent to my ex-wife went unanswered. That came as no surprise. I had become used to the silent treatment from her since our return from our honeymoon in Hawaii 12 years ago. But this time I was not about to put up with being ignored.

After waiting three days, I wrote the following to her . . .

Eiko-sama. Frankly, aren't you sick and tired of this particular pattern of communication that we have fallen into, either by chance or design? I sent you two e-mails the other day and you have not even granted me the courtesy of a reply. I will not plead with you (as I once did), and I will not lose my temper (as I often did), but PLEASE let us stop this and at least be civil to each other.