DEAR ABBY: My best friend, "Nancy," is wonderful, generous and kind to everyone except her husband, "Ted." She belittles, yells and embarrasses him constantly.
Nancy has suggested that my boyfriend and I take a vacation with them, but I can't stand hearing her constant criticism. Just having dinner with them is painful enough.
Ted is a nice guy who tries hard to please Nancy, but he can't seem to do anything right in her eyes. Is there anything I can do or say to Nancy without offending her or sticking my nose where it doesn't belong? -- EMBARRASSED IN VIRGINIA
DEAR EMBARRASSED: As I see it, you have two choices. Keep dodging your friend's efforts to arrange a joint vacation, which will wear thin after a while. Or, have a frank chat with her. Tell her -- as gently as possible -- that she may not realize how uncomfortable she makes others when they must witness her constant bickering with her husband, and until they mend fences, you and your boyfriend will be unavailable for vacations.