I feel really hurt because it’s always up to me to contact my friend

DEAR DEIDRE: A FRIEND I have known for years never contacts me. It really hurts me.

We meet up from time to time but it is always left to me to contact her for our next get-together.

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If I did not ring or text her, I think I would never hear from her again. I find it upsetting, though I realise I am extra sensitive since my younger son died in an accident two years ago. He was 23 and I am 46.

When this mate and I do see one another, we get on well and have a great catch-up. There is never any problem finding something to talk about.

But then she mumbles something about my having her number and off she goes. I find this very rejecting.

DEIDRE SAYS: Try saying to this friend that you would appreciate her contacting you next time and see what happens.

But if she is not helping you to feel better in your time of need, get together with those who do.

Losing a child is especially painful.

You can find understanding support through The Compassionate Friends, an organisation of and for bereaved parents (tcf.org.uk, 0345 123 2304).

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