My friend only ever wants to talk about herself. Should I cut her off?
I have been friends with a woman for more than 20 years, who has overcome many challenges, which I admire. However, she’s constantly blindsided by people. Her husband left…
My friends keep leaving me out, but don’t like it if I do the same to them
I’m 17 and have just gone into my final year at school. Since I started secondary school, I’ve had pretty much the same friendship group: B, C and…
I used to be an escort, and a former client wants to be friends. What should I do?
Until four years ago, I was a sex worker – specifically, a high-end escort. In my experience, when clients treat you with respect and understand the boundaries, it’s possible to form a relationship not unlike that…
One of my friends at school has turned toxic. How do I discuss it with her?
I started high school last year with some friends I’ve known for a long time. One of those friends has started to act toxically with other people. I have been distancing…
I’m in my 20s with lots of online friends, but can’t seem to connect IRL
Dear Annalisa, A couple of years ago, I moved to a new city. The pandemic put my university plans permanently on hold, and I’ve recently started working fulltime. I built up…
I’m in my 30s and own my home. How can I share my good fortune with friends?
Dear Annalisa, I’m in the fortunate position of owning my own home and some land without a mortgage (in a very affordable and somewhat remote area), and…
I’m a woman in my 30s and I haven’t got any close female friends – it’s making me sad
Dear Annalisa, Do “romantic comedy friendships” still exist? I am perpetually hopeful, but losing faith. I love my alone time, and enjoy coffees with women in my neighbourhood…
My friends never want to go out any more – and it’s making me feel lonely
Dear Annalisa, I’m in my early 20s and graduated from university in July 2023. I’ve been lucky enough to find a good job, which I have enjoyed, but…
My former friends are ignoring me when I try to reconnect. Why does it hurt so much?
Dear Annalisa, Recently, I have become very upset about past colleagues who were once friends or housemates, ghosting or ignoring me on social media. I worked abroad with…
My friend ranks his friendships in a league table – and it worries me
Dear Annalisa, Over a few drinks, a good friend of mine recently let slip that he keeps a spreadsheet of his friends, which he uses to rank them…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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