Dear Diana,
We live in a small community. Our children go to a small school. There is a couple whom we have kids in the same grade with. This couple was really good friends with this other couple, and they were almost inseperable, however they moved away recently. Now this coupleu00a0 are really trying to make new friends in the community, fit in, etc. I feel very uncomfortable with them. I do not want to be their buddies, not that they aren't nice.

They are okay, but they, never wanted to be friendly before. I am just scared to death of having all of my time manipulated, as this seems to be their style. I'm also afraid they, particularly she, will try to make friends with some of our friends, or my friends and just kind of take them and be inseperable with them as this is their style.u00a0 I hope you understand what I am talking about?

KM

Dear KM,
Life is too short to be stuck with people you don't really like to be with. Stay close to the friends you really enjoy, and don't make time for the ones you don't feel comfortable around. Everyone doesn't have to like everyone else. But do be respectful and don't gossip about them, because that has a way of swinging right back in your face. Just be busy all the time they want to do something together, they will get the message eventually. Be polite but distant.u00a0

His dad died recently...

Dear Diana,
I've been friends with a guy since school. We haven't talked much for a couple of months because of some issues involving work, friends, and a fight. Today he told me that his dad died three days ago. What can I do to make him feel better?

Bunty

Dear Bunty,
You don't necessarily need to say something to console him. Just be a shoulder to lean on and be someone he can talk to if he wants (don't push him to do so) just hang out with him and try and get his mind off his dad death. And tell him to remeber the good times, as that will help him heal.

Am I boring her

Dear Diana,
This girl and I are good friends, but lately things have slipped. I have known her for about a year and we have been able to meet more often up till recently, due to busy plans on both sides. Despite this, we chat online although in the past few weeks, our conversations went from fun to dull but I'm not sure why. When I discuss this with her, she says that it's harder to chat online so she becomes quiet although I don't think this is the case. Am I right to be annoyed and taking friends too seriously? Or am I boring her or something? Please help.

Vidyut

Dear Vidyut,
How often are you chatting online? If it's each night when your apart then it is bound to get a bit repetitive and seem duller. If it's just the occasional chat then ask her how she feels. I have a sneaky feeling though that chatting online is not enough for her now, maybe she is wishing instead that it was in person. Maybe she is feeling disconnected. Maybe you both should try and spend a weekend together, and get a feel of how things stand between the two of you presently.