Dear Abby: Girl’s constant ‘boy talk’ has friend group rolling eyes

Greetings, Abby

I have a big circle of friends in middle school. Kaleigh, one of my friends, underwent a radical transformation last year as a result of another girl’s influence. Kaleigh began talking exclusively about boys and making offensive remarks. Prior to being best friends with the other girl, she had never done that. Their reputations have been destroyed.

I’m not sure if I should confront them or what to say if I do. I don’t want to anger any of them. We’ve had disagreements in the past, and if someone disputes with them, it’s awful for the group as a whole. Additionally, they argue with one another a lot, and the group as a whole usually joins in.

The group has been under stress as a result of this for the past year. I’m not sure I can take any more of this. I’m not sure if confronting them will make it easy to reason with them. What ought I to do? MORE TENNESSEE DRAMA

DEAR MORE DRAMA:

You mentioned that you had a wide circle of friends. Kaleigh cannot be changed or saved, and reminding her that she is damaging her reputation could come out as jealous. Start focusing on friendships with other girls in the group instead of confronting them. Over the years, I’ve come to the conclusion that you can never have too many friends.

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Greetings, readers:

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and it wouldn’t be the same without reciting the customary prayer that my beloved late mother wrote:

Father in heaven,

We remember the hungry and give thanks to Thee for providing nourishment.

We remember the sick and give thanks to Thee for health.

We remember the friendless and give thanks to Thee for our friends.

We remember the oppressed and give thanks to Thee for freedom.

May we be inspired to serve by these memories.

that others may benefit from what you have given us. Amen.

Everyone, have a joyous and secure celebration! — Dear, ABBY

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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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Abby’s Favorite Recipes and More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby are two books that contain over 100 of her favorite recipes. Please send a check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447, along with your name and postal address. (The price includes shipping and handling.)

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