DEAR ABBY: I had a close friend, "Kayleigh," for about 10 years. She helped me through tough times and was always there for me. Now I feel like she has turned into someone else. For the last six months, she has been putting down everyone I love, even in front of my daughter. She sees no problem with it, nor does she have any remorse.
Kayleigh doesn't have a healthy relationship with her family or in her love life. I believe I'm her only friend. When she does this, I feel like she's disrespecting me. I have talked to her about it, but she never apologizes. She gets defensive and says it's "just her opinion, it shouldn't matter and I shouldn't stay mad."
I have told Kayleigh things in confidence, but she's thrown them in my face, which made me feel insecure and small. I no longer talk to her about these issues because sometimes she brings it up with a jab. I can't be friends with someone who acts this way. I have stopped talking to her, but now I'm having a hard time not feeling guilty. Advice? -- FRIENDLESS IN MISSOURI
DEAR FRIENDLESS: Why would you continue to confide in someone who might use the information to make you feel bad? Backing away from a relationship like that is healthy. I have said before that not all friendships last forever, and this appears to be one of them. Kayleigh's refusal to apologize if you tell her she has made you feel disrespected indicates she doesn't care about the effect her comment had on you. Quit flogging yourself and get on with your life.