Dear Annie: I’m exhausted by my friend’s self-centered behavior

Dear Annie: My one-way friendship is wearing me out

Dear Annie: Is it time to let go of my changing friendship?Dear Annie: Exhausted by my friend’s self-centered behavior

Dear Annie: How do I address my friend’s selfish ways?

Dear Annie: When support turns into a one-sided friendship

Dear Annie: I’ve been close friends with “Tina” for over 25 years. We’ve raised our kids together and supported each other through losses and hard times. But in the last year or so, things have shifted. Tina has become increasingly self-absorbed; every conversation circles back to her. If I share something I’m struggling with, she’ll respond with a quick comment and then pivot right back to her job, her family drama, or her latest accomplishment.

The last straw was when I told her my brother was in the hospital. She said, “Oh no!” — then launched into a story about how her sister was once misdiagnosed in an ER and how stressful that was. No follow-up. No asking how I’m doing.

Do I say something? Or is it better to let this naturally drift apart?

—Tired of One-Way Friendship

Dear Tired: Step one is to say something. She may be so wrapped up in her own problems that she’s not even aware of how she’s falling behind as a friend. This could be the wake-up call she needs to be the friend you once valued so much.

If that doesn’t work, then drifting apart is OK. Not every relationship lasts forever, and it’s better to let go of a friendship that’s run its course than to cling to a friendship that disappoints you time and again.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

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