Crappy Friends

That sinking feeling when you lose your one and only gal-pal…because she chose a racist ass over you. And yet, you miss her. There were so many good times. How will you fill the gap? The Ladies discuss the hardship of losing a friend, the reality of crappy people and how to take care of yourself.

Your friend is great…except when she's talking about the lesser mortals who surround her. You KNOW she talks about you, too, and you're obsessed with what she might be saying. Is this a real friendship? How can you talk to her about it? Should you even try? Also, Kristan's nephew weighs in on her aging neck.

You've tried to be nice, kind, a good listener…but you can't seem to give it away. Why do some people have a harder time making friends? The Ladies discuss possible red flags you might be waving, methods of engaging, and how not to overwhelm someone with good intentions. 

You like this woman, but she's dying to be your BFF…and you have your BFF. How to temper the perfectly nice friend who goes above and beyond the call in that uncomfortable way. Plus, the Ladies discuss pedicures and potential traps. 

And by animals, we mean teenagers. In this age of cyberbullying and dangerously high teen suicide rates, what can you do to intervene? Is there any way to protect a kid you know who's going through a rough time? Our answers are as mom and aunties, not healthcare professionals. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Oh, those group dynamics can be killer, especially when all the drama is unfolding right where you live! What is this, a Desperate Housewives reboot? Can't you just cut your lawn and yell at your kids in peace? Or should you move, as Joss suggests?

Your friend is great…much of the time. Some of the time. She has some good qualities, but things don't feel balanced. Maybe you want to end the friendship, but you're scared to dump her because she really has had her share of trauma. What if you push her into doing something drastic? What if the end of your friendship will be the straw that breaks her back? The Ladies discuss…plus…THE BEST EMBARRASSING PERSONAL PROBLEM IN HISTORY!

Apologies for the cut-off! Trying again... When your friend is on a dangerous, self-destructive path, what's your role as her friend? How can you help? Is it your job to save her? (Hint: No. Sorry. You can't.) The Ladies bring in professional psychologist Dr. Khaleesi (not her real name, but yes, her real credentials) to discuss how to maintain a friendship even when your pal is making bad decisions, and how to take care of yourself during this tough time.

An interesting episode in which our letter writer reveals much about herself and the mixed messages she's sending a friend she deems toxic. Oh, the tangled webs we weave when first we go out to lunch with someone! How can you be honest AND kind? When is the problem really you, and how can you tell? The Ladies bring in their favorite therapist, Dr. Khaleesi, and discuss this thorny situation.

Yeah, no. She's not your friend, because you have morals and decency. So what do you do when a friendly acquaintance outs herself as a bigot? How do you call someone on this? The Ladies have thoughts. Plus, one of the BEST Embarrassing Personal Problems since the Tale of the Lost Tampon.

You're off to college or  grad school. How do you get started on making a new set of friends? The Ladies offer advice that's applicable to just about anyone starting from scratch.

You're the designated helper…you drive them to their appointments, cook when they're sick, loan them money, and yet when you need a favor, no one's around. The Ladies discuss how and when to help a friend, and when and how to say no, and your own responsibility when people take advantage of your good nature.

Why does there have to be a favorite? Your mom can't stop talking about how much better your sibling is…but what does she say to your sibling when you're not around? The fascinating dynamics that bubble over when someone stirs the pot. Plus, a follow-up from one of our most fascinating letters this year!

What do you do when a friend fails to pick up on your hints? And what do you do when a friend takes credit for things that don't involve her? The Ladies discuss the sometimes strange manifestations of good intentions, and how to learn to choose positivity over frustration.

Your friend is lovely, intelligent and kind…and her life is in the toilet all the freakin' time. You, on the other hand, have your act pretty much together. How do you create balance and avoid being an unpaid therapist? How can you avoid every conversation circling back to her endless problems while still being there for her? The Ladies discuss, plus a horrifying Embarrassing Personal Problem Kristan finally has the courage to describe.

A glimpse into the mind of "that" friend whose rough patch lasts longer than she wants it to…and how she recognized the drain this put on her friendships. The Ladies weigh in on coping mechanisms for both sides when a friend is flailing.

How do you stay friends with a couple after a divorce? What if you want to be friends with the new woman? Plus, hints for heaving dead groundhogs from your backyard, and how to stay cool in this weather!

Is it ever okay to walk away from a friendship without a word? Two letters ask the same question: Can I be done with her yet? But the Ladies are intrigued! Is that what our letter writers really want? Plus, Joss's dog, the infamous and fabulous Glory, scratches her itchy spots whilst the Ladies drink cheap Chardonnay and ponder life's difficult questions.

Sorry for the technical snafu! Once more, with feeling… You're all friends at work…except for that one person who kills everyone's happy vibe and messes with productivity. What do you do? What should you ask your boss? Are you required to like someone just because you work together? How far is "nice" supposed to go? The Ladies discuss, and Kristan talks about self-care, even when it sucks and you feel embarrassed. 

What if you're mostly happy without friends? How do you explain that to people who might make overtures? The Ladies get a unique letter from a listener who sounds happy in her solitude but is afraid she might be missing out.