DEAR ABBY: I need advice on how to handle a well-meaning friend who continually asks me how much money I spend on things I wear and also purchase for my home. I find this very rude on her part.
She has been a good friend for many years, but her questions about the cost of everything are really getting on my nerves. How do I get my point across without losing her friendship? -- NO NAME, INITIALS OR TOWN
DEAR NO NAME: Try this (with a smile, of course): "I will forgive you for asking, if you will forgive me for not answering."