Mutual friends exclude reader

Dear Harriette: I introduced two of my closest friends a few months ago. I was absolutely thrilled with how much they liked each other and how well everything was going. I thought it would be so nice to be able to regularly hang out with both of them at the same time. This morning I found out that the two of them have been hanging out without me and talking pretty regularly. I didn’t know that they were hanging out — they have never once invited me out with them. I’m pretty upset about this. I have no problem with their growing friendship, but why do I have to be excluded? Am I right to be upset?

Dear Left Out: Friendships can be complicated.

Too often that happens with friends of three, because it is common for two to connect more closely than all three as a unit. Yes, you can tell your friends that you are happy that they like each other — as you knew they would — but that it saddens you that they have excluded you from the covenant. Suggest that the three of you do something together sometimes.

Beyond that, there’s little you can do. You cannot force them to involve you in their regular conversations or get-togethers. You do not want to come off as desperate or jealous — that will not attract them to you. It is natural for your feelings to be hurt given what you have just learned. But you are going to have to accept that this is how things are unfolding right now.

Send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Horoscope

— Left Out

GEORGIA NICOLS

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Virgo.

Aries (March 21-April 19) ★★★★ As Mercury dances with Jupiter today, conversations with partners and close friends will be upbeat, informative and expansive. Everyone’s got an idea! Tonight: Keep talking.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) ★★★★ Stay light on your feet. Meanwhile, something related to your pet or job will delight you. Tonight: Make plans!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) ★★★★★ Minor interruptions at home might occur today. (Be wise and stock the fridge.) Enjoy playful activities with kids, social outings and any chance to express your creative talents. Tonight: Socialize!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) ★★★★ Family discussions will be positive today. People might gather where you live, perhaps to discuss home repairs. Meanwhile, you’re open to big, ambitious ideas! Tonight: Entertain at home.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★ Keep an eye on your assets today, because something unexpected could occur. Tonight: Enjoy conversations with others.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★ You feel eager and excited about something, which is why you might be impulsive. The reason might be a better paying job, a raise or a major coup when shopping will make your day! Tonight: Review moneymaking ideas.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) ★★★★★ Today Mercury is in your sign dancing with Jupiter, which promotes positive thinking about the future. This is an excellent day to make plans. Tonight: Make plans!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) ★★★★ A friend might surprise you today, or you might meet someone who is different or unusual. Meanwhile, you feel restless with excitement about something in your future. Tonight: Do some serious thinking. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) ★★★★ Pay attention to what you’re doing, because you might have a surprise encounter with someone in authority (including the police). Tonight: Talk to a friend or a group.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) ★★★★ You will impress bosses, parents and VIPS today, because you have big ideas that are futuristic and ambitious. Tonight: Impress the boss. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) ★★★★★ This is a fabulous day to make travel plans. It’s also a great day to make plans for further education. Tonight: Learn something new.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) ★★★★ Discussions about shared property or how to divide or share something will go well today. This is a good day to make financial plans. Tonight: Estate planning for the future.

KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

What the stars mean

★★★★★ ★★★★ Dynamic Positive ★★★ ★★ ★ Average So-so Difficult