Hi Madge, I love your column and wondered if you can give me some advice about how to help my a friend of mine. I will call her "Lois". We have been best friends since high school, about 10 years. She decided to attend college and delay her life, but my goal has always been to be a mom .... so  I now have 4 beautiful children and another on the way while Lois is starting a career in marketing. Lately it seems like Lois is uncomfortable around me, and has been visiting me less and less. I think she must be jealous, but I don't know how to help her. I am a single parent and depend on Lois for emotional support. How can I tell her that it's natural to be jealous of me, but don't let it come between us.
                       - Missing my Friend

Dear Missing my Friend,

I love that you are so thoroughly enamored with your own way of life that when someone shies away from you, they obviously must be jealous. But here's the deal, girlie. The two of you have grown apart. Period. You are the single mother of five children. She is, well, not. You "depend" on Lois for emotional support. Here's the bitter truth: You ain't gettin' in from her anymore. She's a grown-up with her own life and own set of priorities. Emotional support is a lot to ask from anyone, so the minute they start drifting away, grab a clue and ease up a little. Find a new circle of friends and stop being so needy and self-centered.

Madge is not a psychologist, nor does she have any
training whatsoever in relationship therapy.  She is a saucy, Southern gal who dishes out no-nonsense advice.  If you would like to ask Madge a question, e-mail editors@salemmonthly.com.