Why Can't I merge two curved paths in InDesign CS5?

Question

I'm using InDesign CS5 at work and I'm trying to create a "U", "Horseshoe", or "shield" curved path for text to follow.

I already know how to copy+paste text on a path. That is not the issue. The issue is this:

In order to make a perfect horseshoe-like shape I want to make on half of my shape first then duplicate, flip horizontally and merge. But, every time I try to merge the two hockey-stick like shapes, InDesign tries to force the shape closed. I'm not trying to make a closed shape. I want a "U" (an no, using an actual letter U won't work for this example).

Once I have successfully joined the paths I will then put my text on the resulting path.

This is a fairly straightforward task, but I have included this helpful illustration for clarification:

InDesign CS5 doesn't join curved paths correctly (Graphic by Eric Hepperle, 2020):

Of course I did my research. This 4-year old post was the closest I found to anyone mentioning this problem, and though it is for ILLUSTRATOR not INDESIGN I held out hope. But, alas none of the solutions nor comments got me any closer to a fix:

Why can't I merge two points?

Why is this basic process so hard and how can I get it done?

Answer 1

What you're trying to do works better for closed, not open, paths. Try this:

• Hit A
• Click and drag to select both points at the top where the shapes meet
• Go to 'Object → Paths → Join'
• Repeat for the lower ends of the shapes (the points at the bottom of the shapes)

Answer 2

Step 1 : Select the Two Anchor Points Meeting at same Place with Direct Selection Tool Step 2 : Go to Object -> Path -> Join

It will solve your query for more details go to this video Link https://youtu.be/vTvO7cS9oVM

Answer 3

You should be able to get the two vector paths aligned, then highlight the two bezier handles you want to join, then cmd+j to join them. ("Object" menu, then "Join")