It has happened to all of us, we have a very good friend that we have known since school days and the history is long and goes way back. Still, recently, you and your friend may not have seen eye-to-eye on a few matters, and don’t even see one another much any more. Still, you remember her birthday, her wedding anniversary and, of course, her kids. Given the history, you send gifts to her kids on their birthdays.

Now, in the past she always would ring you and say thanks, have her kids write a little note to you, or something to let you know those gifts meant something and were appreciated by them. Recently, however, you are still giving gifts and not hearing anything back.

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A friend who has agreed to host your party, pass out your invitations, and generally help out at the party invites a bunch of her friends to the party…only letting you know at the very last minute rather than discussing the additional guests with you beforehand.

Well, it is a tricky situation for a couple of reasons. Clearly the friend is lending significant help to your birthday party ~ so she probably feels she should be allowed to invited whom she wants as well. Yet, she knows this is sort of awkward and so instead of discussing with you beforehand and/or telling you upfront, she just invites them and drops the news on you…hoping that all of her help will lead you to be “OK” with it.

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