DEAR ABBY: My best friend, "Dave," and I have known each other for 35 years, since kindergarten. Ten years ago, he married a woman from a wealthy family. It was the best and worst thing that ever happened to him. Ever since the wedding, Dave has lost touch with his old friends from the past. He talks down to everyone who is less successful than he is. I don't think he's even aware that he's doing it.
I have tried to talk to him about it in a nonconfrontational way with no luck. Most of my problems are financial, and Dave is no longer able to relate. I no longer enjoy having lunch with him because all he ever talks about is how well he's doing in the stock market. Every time we get together it's the same conversation.
I have invited him to go fishing, sailing, skeet shooting -- even over for a bonfire I throw every year. The only activity Dave ever wants to do is play golf, which I tried for five years and still don't enjoy. My friend seems to have lost all interest in anything beyond golf and money.
Dave says he has "grown" -- but I think he has shrunk and has become an arrogant elitist. Should I give up on this friendship? -- UP TO HERE IN MICHIGAN
DEAR UP TO HERE: Yes. Frankly, I'm surprised the "friendship" has lasted as long as it has. If you need my permission to move on, you have it. It doesn't have to be confrontational. Sometimes people just grow apart.