Breaking Up is Hard to Do
Dear Frankie,
A couple of months ago, my mom’s friend asked if her dog Rags could ride with us to the park. Before my mom and I picked up Rags, she said that I should be sure to introduce her to the other dogs. Honestly, she didn’t need to remind me. I know how uncomfortable it feels to be a newcomer in a group.
The first dog Rags met was my best friend forever Breeze. They hit it off right away and started merrily barking away. I asked Rags if she wanted to meet the rest of the gang, and she said it wasn’t necessary.
In the beginning, I was pleased that Rags and Breeze hit it off from the get-go. Then I noticed as time went on when the three of us were together Breeze talked mostly to Rags and vice versa. Lately they have started whispering to one another and walking off without asking me to come along. When I asked them about it, Breeze said she didn’t know what I was talking about, and I was being over-sensitive.
I couldn’t believe my ears and realized that I was losing what I had always assumed would be my best friend for life.
Heartbroken, Milly
Dear Milly,
I’m so sorry to hear how harshly you were treated by Breeze. As upsetting as this might be you need to take control and not hang out with them. They need to see that you will not tolerate being overlooked and dismissed. After a time, Breeze and Rags may come to their senses and ask you to join them. If that happens, you should insist they apologize.
Then I recommend the three of you have a conversation about how the friendship can work for each of you in the future. If it turns out they want to have an exclusive relationship, you need to ask yourself if Breeze is the kind of friend you would like to have as a best friend forever?
I hope it doesn’t come to this. If it does, I suggest you tell your mom to tell Breeze’s mom to work out other transportation arrangements to the park.
Best, Frankie
© 2021 Geneva Woodruff
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