I've known a woman for 20 years, but now realize she's a user. I no longer want to be friends, but she keeps calling me. How do I quit a one-sided friendship I can’t seem to end?

ENOUGH ALREADY IN ILLINOIS DEAR ENOUGH: Take a page out of Blair’s playbook. When she calls or texts, take a long time to respond. When she wants to get together, be too busy. If she asks you if there is a reason for the change in your behavior,

When my mom died a few months ago, I called Blair after the out-of-state funeral. She promised to call me back but didn’t call for two months. When I told her I was disappointed in her, she responded that she feels bad.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person,