Dear Abby: My best friend, "Sophie," has just got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, "Brian." I want to be happy for him, but he doesn't deserve that. She knows it, but she won't.
My problem is that I may be asked to be the maid of honor at his wedding, and I dread the idea of writing a speech about their relationship. How do I write a speech when I have nothing nice to say about it?
I know Sophie will be expecting something from the heart as she is my close friend. I get upset just thinking about this. Please give me some advice. - Reluctant Friends in Indiana
Dear Reluctant Friend: When you write your speech, begin by saying how long you and Sophie have been friends and how close the two of you are. Share some anecdotes about what a caring, loyal, fun-loving friend Sophie is and how lucky "Brian" is to be married to her. Then toast the happy couple, wish them a lifetime of happiness with them (even if you think it won't be that way) and "drop the mic." You don't have to sing Brian's praises if you think he doesn't deserve it. That privilege should belong to the best person.
Dear Abby: My wife and I are friends - a married couple - we socialize with every few weeks. "Charles" is kind, pleasant and enjoyable, there is always a fine balance between speaking and listening during conversations. His wife, "Claire", on the other hand, isn't interested in hearing about our lives.
When we try to start a conversation, Claire cuts us off and switches the topic to a non-relatable, self-centered topic. She also interrupts Charles while he is talking. She goes on to detail the specifics of her activities and, even worse, the lives of her friends (those we don't know or are not interested in). We no longer enjoy his company, but we hate losing ties with Charles. Any suggestions? -- Bored in Missouri
Dear Boredom: It may be time for you and Charles to see each other without wives - for lunch or a sporting event. That way you'll be off the hook for bearing Claire, and your wife won't have to be with her because she can socialize with friends whose company she enjoys. I don't have a crystal ball, but I have a strong hunch, you and your wife wouldn't be the first to do this.
Dear Abby: I met a really nice guy when I was at a bar. Because I was a little drunk, he drove me home. We exchanged numbers and we've been out once since. I am sure we will go out again. The problem is I don't know what his name is! We did not exchange social media contacts. I feel awkward asking for his name now. Any suggestions? - unknown in the west
Dear Unknown: Yes. The next time he contacts, ask him to spell his first and last names correctly "to enter your contact list." Unless his name is John Smith, it might just manage to get you off the hook without embarrassing yourself.