Pal has no time for me

MY best friend only calls when she’s bored.

We used to be so close but now I only hear from her when her husband is bogged down with work or her newer, shinier friends are busy.

At the moment she’s keen to see me as her son has left home and she’s suffering from empty nest syndrome.

When I was unhappy due to bullying issues with my ex-boss in August, she was too busy for me. She was all over social media having a great summer, yet couldn’t pick up calls or phone back.

How do I make her understand that I have needs and feelings too?

JANE SAYS: Accept that this friendship ran out of energy and genuine affection a long time ago.

You can’t allow her to use you when she finds herself at a loose end. Look to the future and widen your circle. Don’t rely on her – find new people who want to spend time with you and respect your needs and feelings.

I suspect that if you make yourself less available, your tired friendship will fizzle out naturally.

It’s sad when we realise that we’ve outgrown a certain person, but if she’s not prepared to meet you halfway then it’s game over.