Dear Annie: My friend’s last-minute requests are a bit much

To Annie, please:

Despite the fact that I had to be at work by eight last week, my good buddy Jess called me at six in the morning to ask if I could drive her to an appointment the same morning. Last-minute favors like this are increasingly common. She often makes me feel guilty by saying things like, “You’re the only one I can count on,” even if I’ve been tempted to say no.

Although I truly cherish our connection, her incessant demands drain me. Without giving her the impression that I’m leaving her, how can I let her know that I need some more strict boundaries? I feel exhausted.

Dear Feeling Exhausted:

It will be necessary for you to do what you have been avoiding: Refuse.

Tell her that although you want to be there for her, you just don’t have the time or energy to suddenly quit everything. A true friend will respect your boundaries, even if it feels awkward at first.

How Can My Partner Who Cheated Be Forgiven? is currently available! Both print and e-book versions of Annie Lane’s second anthology, which includes her favorite pieces on marriage, adultery, communication, and reconciliation, are available. For additional information, go to http://www.creatorspublishing.com. For Annie Lane, send inquiries to [email protected].

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