DEAR ABBY: I have a good friend who is married to an abrasive, negative woman. She never has anything nice to say about anyone or anything.
I value this friend and would like to continue our friendship, but I don't want his wife's negative energy around my family. Should I explain that he and his children are welcome in our home, but his wife is not? Or should I arrange to see him only when I know his wife is occupied elsewhere? -- S.K. OUT WEST
DEAR S.K.: What a sad situation. Your friend's wife's behavior indicates that she's an unhappy and troubled woman. As a couple, they probably need all the friends they can get.
To tell this man that you want to protect your family from his wife's "negative energy" could end the friendship, so I don't recommend it. Seeing him when his wife is otherwise occupied would be far more diplomatic.