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…
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…
I’m 14 and stressed out with the pressure of school and friendships
Dear Annalisa, I’m 14 and dreading the return of feelings that school brought last year. It was a rollercoaster, and just the tiniest thing – or sometimes…
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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