Don’t drift apart over child rift

Q I’m early 30s, single, own my own home, have a great job, and am happy with my life.

I’m uninterested in marriage or kids and finally realized there’s nothing wrong with that.

However, as my friends marry and become parents, while I’m happy for them, I’m feeling less important. Many no longer make much effort to contact or spend much time with me. When we meet up, it’s on their terms because I’m the one without responsibilities. I feel I’m losing them because I’ve chosen a different lifestyle. I love my friends dearly. I just wish I still felt like a part of their lives. Do I just need to suck it up as the new normal? No Kids, Less Friendship

A It goes both ways. Some of those friends likely feel that you stopped caring about what’s happening in their lives.

The reality is this: Raising young kids is a time and energy thief. Some of those friends would dearly love to get out for an evening and just have fun.

Some may drift away, but others will still want to maintain the connection with you, hoping you’ll understand that it is easier for you to meet up where, when, and for however long they can manage.

Share some of their joy (a first tooth!) and they’ll even make you an honorary aunt.

Good friends adjust with the times and circumstances.

Q I’m tired of seeing people publicly displaying horrible

manners. I repeatedly see men and women wipe their noses with their fingers or hands. I don’t know why it’s considered acceptable.

I do my best not to touch anything, especially on public transit, because of people who won’t leave their noses alone.

I see it too in coworkers, even among executives. My parents told me not to do this when I was still very young.

I also don’t want to go to people’s homes. Who can eat their food? Grossed out

A The best protection you have against colds and flus (much of the world is facing the start of a flu season) is washing your hands diligently, especially after public transit, after work, and before and after eating.

Unfortunately, whether in air-conditioning or heating, nasal passages become dry and uncomfortable.

While it’s “unmannerly” to handle nostrils publicly, your best defence from any passed germs is thorough hand washing. Read Ellie Monday to Saturday.