DEAR ABBY: I have a good friend I always invite to attend parties and events. She invariably RSVPs accepting the invitation, but never shows up or explains her absence. This has been going on for years and it hurts my feelings. Do I have to keep inviting her? -- COLORADO HOSTESS
DEAR HOSTESS: Allow me to offer you some insight: The woman's behavior is extremely rude. "Good friends" do not treat each other this way. If you're asking my permission to scratch her off your guest list, you have it.