Dear Jacquelyn,

I have a friend I’ve known for several years, who seems to criticize me as much as she can. She says things like “You look tired today” when I’m actually having a good day or “That dress would be so much prettier on you if it was a little longer.” She always starts these criticisms with “no offense.” I haven’t confronted her about this but it is really upsetting me. Is there a polite way to handle her criticism?

Dear Reader,

A friend who is so critical toward you might be dealing with her own insecurities.

When you are hit with criticism and it’s preceded by “no offense” you can be sure she is about to rain on your parade.

The important thing is how you respond. So far, you’ve been the better person, rising above the petty insults.

It can be very tempting to give her a taste of her own medicine by being rude in return.

Think about what you’d like to say to your friend and then reach out to her to meet up at a later date.

It’s going to be difficult, but don’t stoop to her level of rudeness. You’ve let some critical comments slide, but now you have to stand up for yourself. It’s time for a heart-to-heart conversation. Gently remind her that good friends should focus on what they appreciate in each other.

If you feel like you’ve done everything you can to make her understand, but things don’t seem to be getting better, it might be time to move on from the friendship. Sometimes people reach a point where being friends doesn’t make a ton of sense anymore, and that’s alright.

Talking to friends about awkward subjects is hard, but we all deserve to be treated right by those who matter most to us.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training.

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