They don’t know what to say, or how to behave, and often avoid the bereaved until they think the ‘matter’ has moved on. Either way, I believe the majority of us would expect more from any friend. Sheila, you need professional help, so contact crusescotland.org.uk and leave your friend to indulge in herself. I now feign an illness or make lame excuses not to go out with her, but I’m running out of ideas. You have unselfishly been a good friend to her for 10 years, but now your friendship has run its course.

Source: The Times November 20, 2023 09:08 UTC