Dear Abby: We were best friends our whole lives, but now she acts like we’re drifting apart
A reader is hurt that a lifelong best friend has pulled away in favor of a more popular person and no longer stands up for her. She wants help coping with the friendship changing.
Liam Carter 
Dear Abby: A reader finds themselves in a difficult position after a lifelong best friend shifted their focus toward a more popular crowd. The reader notes that their friend no longer speaks to them or stands up for them, leading to feelings of being pushed aside. Despite the friend's denial that things have changed, the tension is clear. The reader is looking for guidance on how to navigate this painful transition.
Finding a way forward
— Trouble in Friend Zone
Dear Trouble: It is important to recognize that you are not alone in this experience. While it is incredibly painful to drift apart from someone you have known your entire life, it is a reality that not every friendship is meant to last forever. Accepting this is a difficult but essential lesson in life.
Now is the time to prioritize yourself. Start by getting involved in activities you genuinely enjoy. This is one of the most effective ways to build self-confidence and meet new people. Even if you start with just one new connection, you may soon discover someone who values your friendship just as much as you value theirs.
Read more from Dear Abby and check out additional advice columns on 205focus.com.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
