Dear Amy: I’ve been a longtime reader. I love your pragmatic advice. I never thought I’d write in, but here I am.

I have a co-worker with whom I’ve worked for 10 years. He and I were fairly close.

Over the course of about six months, he gradually stopped talking to me unless it concerned work-related issues.

I’ve reached out to ask whether I’ve offended him in some way, and he always claims to be stressed out, and tells me I’ve done nothing wrong. However, his sudden and blatant favoritism toward others within our small team is extremely hurtful.

I’m not an extrovert and do not make close friends easily, which makes this difficult for me to get over.

Short of looking for another job, what can I do to get past his obvious dismissal? — On the Outs

Dear On the Outs: I wish I had a more definitive and pragmatic answer for you. Work friendships are in their own category, and personal relationships at the office can also carry with them professional advantages.

This man has backed away from your friendship without explanation, and while it shouldn’t have an impact on you professionally, practically speaking — it does. For one thing, work is probably simply less enjoyable without the daily pleasure of interacting with a work pal.

You have done your best to see if you are at fault, and he has assured you that you are not. You have no choice but to believe him. He could be facing pressure from a partner or spouse to distance himself from you (just a theory). You should examine whether he is actually favoring others, work-wise, or if the void left by your lost friendship merely makes it seem that way.

If you can’t get beyond his choice to retreat to the purely professional, you should see if you can transition to another work team. Yes, you might decide ultimately that the best course for you is to look for another job.

In the meantime, you should try not to ruminate on this too much; friendships do run their course, and it is painful when one ends without a rational explanation, because you have nowhere to put your feelings. The good news here is that you were able to make one friend, and over time, if you relax, don’t blame yourself for this and don’t become skittish toward others, you will make more.

Dear Amy: Our son is getting married soon. We are fond of his fiancée, but she is caught up in her version of a fantasy wedding. Both sets of parents are footing the bill.

The bride is having a wedding shower for which I am providing some home-cooked food. We are paying over $10,000 for the wedding itself.

My question is: Am I also required to go online to her registry and buy her a gift for the wedding shower, and also a gift for the wedding?

They are inviting 150 guests to the wedding and we are, as mentioned, paying significantly for these guests to have a beautiful experience (along with our son and his new bride).

They will be receiving a massive number of presents. I’m also not materialistic, compared to your average person. I believe we are contributing a generous amount of cash, even though we would prefer to give them this cash as a gift toward getting along in the future. When is enough, enough? — Mother of the Groom

Dear Mother: Yes, your gift to the couple is the significant amount you are contributing to their shower and nuptials.

You are not “required” to go onto their registry to purchase an additional gift. It would be kind and thoughtful, however, for you to give them a sentimental gift from your family — an heirloom, perhaps, or a childhood photo of each of them, framed together and accompanied by an affectionate note celebrating their future.