DEAR ABBY: My friend often complains that she and her husband don’t have any other friends and she doesn’t know why. I know why, but I’m not sure if I should say anything.
Her husband is nice, but he’s a long-winded talker who takes over every conversation, bragging about himself and the people he knows. I believe he does this to impress people, but it actually repels them. He does this every time, and I have witnessed guys walk away and keep their distance from him. This includes my husband.
She wants my husband to get closer to him, but my husband can’t stand him because of this. So, should I be honest and tell her what the deal is? I don’t want to hurt her feelings. Or must I keep pretending I don’t know? -- KNOWS WHY IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR KNOWS: I think you would be doing the woman a favor by telling her something like this: “I can’t arm-twist my husband into a closer relationship with yours than they already have. If you would like to know why, I will tell you.” If she says yes, explain that you like her very much, but her husband’s need to dominate the conversation and brag about his accomplishments, net worth, etc. (fill in the blanks) drives people away.
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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.