Dear Abby: My old friend wont shut up Im ready to cut ties

DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, I ran into an old friend I hadn’t seen in more than 25 years.We went to dinner the following week.

The dinner lasted three hours.Abby, she talked the entire time! It was a mix of grandiose stories, complaints about her health, complaints about her relationships and an attempt to make me feel guilty for not contacting her sooner.

I tried to excuse it, telling myself, “It’s been decades; of course she has a lot to say.”Every subsequent interaction followed the same pattern, with an expectation of far more of my time and energy than I was comfortable giving.At one point, she even sprinkled in a little condescension about my political leaning.

I started feeling anxious before seeing her and drained afterward.Over a year ago, I decided to take a step back.I told her I’d reach out when I felt up to socializing again, and I haven’t contacted her since.

Despite that, she’s continued to call and text.I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but I have no interest in the friendship.

At the same time, continuing to ignore her feels unkind.I know this will hurt her, but what’s the most honest (and least painful) way to tell her I don’t want further contact? — GHOSTING HER ISN’T WORKINGDEAR GHOSTING: Unless you want to fully commit to the ghosting strategy by blocking this woman’s number, stop avoiding her calls and texts.

Decline her next invitation by telling her you are trying to focus on other parts of your life right now.That’s the truth.

If she persists, tell her getting together isn’t feasible right now and you prefer that she let you initiate contact in the future.If she still doesn’t get the message, blocking her is your only option.DEAR ABBY: I have a young neighbor who is interested in social causes.

She advocates stopping animal abuse, has run the race against breast cancer and volunteers to feed the homeless.I enjoy talking to her because she’s so passionate about these causes.She has told me she feels a...