DEAR ABBY: My best friend, whom I've known for eight years, frequently asks to borrow my clothes. I don't mind lending them to her, but she never returns them. After a while, she can't remember if they're hers or mine, so when I ask for something back, she claims it is hers.
I've tried saying no to her, but she always talks me into it. I value her friendship, and that makes it harder to stick to my guns and not give in. Is there a way to stop her from borrowing without destroying our friendship? I'm running out of clothes and patience. -- ALMOST NUDE IN OAKLAND, CALIF.
DEAR ALMOST NUDE: Stand in front of your mirror and practice saying, "No more. I'm running out of clothes and I'm no longer comfortable with this." If she's a real friend, she'll stop taking advantage of you.
However, if you can't bring yourself to refuse her, mark the labels in your clothes with your initials so there will be no question to whom they belong.