DEAR MASSI

For the past couple of weeks my friend of five years has been a real pain. She's stopped inviting me round and has even tried to exclude me whenever our small group of friends gets together. And when we do meet up she is very distant and talks down her nose at me.

I don't think I've done or said anything to upset her and do not understand why she is treating me like this. I suppose I should talk to her about it but I really don't want to rock the boat.

I hate confrontation and besides I have too few friends to risk losing one over something trivial like this. What should I do?

OL Preston

MASSI SAYS

If this situation was really trivial would you have written to me? I don't think so. I think you've been hurt quite badly by your friend's behaviour - and you've every right to feel aggrieved. She's treated you badly and given you no clue as to why her behaviour has changed.

And friend or not, this can't go on. I know this friend is important to you but is friendship really what you're getting at the moment? Do genuine friends behave this way? Again, I think not.

So perhaps the time is right to talk with her and explain how you feel. Ask if you've done something to upset her.

Friendships do occasionally change so perhaps it's time to move on.