Annie’s Mailbox: Friend speaks ill of children to others

Dear Annie: I’ve been friends with “Louise” for 35 years. She sees the same doctor I do.

Apparently, at her last appointment, Louise talked about my grown children and how much they weigh and insinuated that my grown son is too ugly for her daughter. She told this to the entire office staff with the exception of my youngest daughter, who is the office manager. My daughter was on a break when this took place, but her co-workers told her about it when she returned.

Needless to say, I was very hurt by what Louise said. I don’t understand why she chose to make such horrible comments about my children, especially to people who know them, and I’m not sure I can forgive her. The friendship certainly will never be the same. Should I confront her? – Disappointed in My Friend

Dear Disappointed: Louise should not be discussing your children negatively with anyone, let alone someone who knows them. And the co-workers should not have repeated these malicious comments to your daughter, who repeated them to you. Now you are forced to reevaluate your friendship with Louise, and no matter the outcome, this incident has poisoned the well. Please talk to Louise, but do so calmly. Tell her that the office staff repeated the unkind words she said about your children, and you’d like to know why she felt the need to disparage them in public. Let her explain herself and, hopefully, apologize. How (or whether) you choose to maintain the friendship after that depends on your comfort levels.