Old pal always hiding

HOW do I deal with a friend who doesn’t open the door?

I go round to see her and she pretends to be out even though the telly is on and her car is in the drive.

Once I rocked up with Christmas gifts and shouted through the letter box to leave them on the step.

Sometimes she texts to say: “Sorry my place is a mess.”

But usually she refuses to even acknowledge that I’m leaning on the doorbell.

We speak most days and have a good connection but I’d like to be able to physically see her.

JANE SAYS: It sounds as if your friend struggles to cope.

Why don’t you ask if she needs some help in cleaning up her home and getting herself organised?

Promise that you will never judge her.

She should understand that you care about her.

If it’s your habit to turn up uninvited, then could you arrange a mutually acceptable date?

Speaking on the phone probably suits her because she can hide behind her handset.

Don’t start making a nuisance of yourself if she’s really not interested.