Bargain hunter tries her friend’s patience

Dear Abby: I have a friend I’ll call Rose who likes to brag about how cheap she is. Sometimes when we’re talking, she will interrupt me and ask, “How do you like my pants? I got them for a dollar at a yard sale.”

Rose likes to draw attention to herself every time she wears something new by asking how I like it. Then she will tell me where she got it and how much it cost. I couldn’t be less interested, and I’m tired of hearing about her tacky clothes.

We go to a water aerobics class together, and she will interrupt the class to ask how they like her “sexy” bathing suit. Abby, Rose is in her 70s and not sexy. I like her, but I am about ready to tell her to shut up! How can I get across that I don’t want to hear about her clothes? — Tired of the Discount Fashion Show

Dear Tired: Try this: Say, “Rose, honey, you know how much I like you, but I wish you would stop talking about your wardrobe with me. You are interesting on so many other levels, and I’m just not into fashion.” Then cross your ingers and hope your friend gets the message.

Dear Abby: My boss seems to have a problem with constantly touching his crotch area (scratching, holding or laying a hand on it). How should I address this without making matters worse? — Sarah in South Carolina

Dear Sarah: I wish you had mentioned whether other employees also see him do this. If they do and any of them are male, it might be less embarrassing for your boss if that employee would mention to him that others are noticing. However, if you are the only employee who sees him, then the most tactful way to handle it would be to keep your gaze resolutely above his beltline.

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