Thank-you so much for your thoughtful comments and advice that you have all given to me! I greatly appreciate them.

Last night, I thought of something that may be an issue with a job that I want to apply for this fall 2009. It is at an organic grocery store. My former friend and her family loves all things organic and I know that they have shopped there in the past. I am worried that if I do get hired at this store that I may "run into them" while working there. I seriously don't think that they will "cause a scene" or be inappropriate towards me due to our new situation/relationship. It will just be an uneasy situation. Most likely if I get a position such as a cashier they would just choose another cashier to have their items processed.

Any ideas on how to handle such a situation if I do "run into them" at this organic grocery store if I do get hired there in any capacity? My first reaction inside my body/brain is to become shy and feel like running and hiding. I know I have to work very hard and practise my assertiveness skills/social skills!

I know I should write my former friend an honest e-mail telling her exactly why I do not wish to be friends with her anymore. But I just don't know how to go about it...how to compose the e-mail with out seeming confrontational or rude. She in my mind shows concrete symptoms of OCD and will re-read and analyze every word and hidden meaning in an e-mail that I would send to her. And I know for a fact that she would keep the e-mail for all eternity. And most likely share what I have written to her with her family and friends. And use my mental illness (bipolar disorder & PTSD) as reasons for my e-mail (what I have said in the e-mail). Instead of someone just stating the facts of the situation. And I don't want to be put in a difficult situation with her father and upset him if she shares what I have said in "the e-mail" with him. He is a genuinely nice and down-to-earth man with a kind heart.

Tips on how to write a non-confrontational and polite e-mail to my former friend would be greatly appreciated. Please keep in mind her OCD symptoms and need to be in control at all times.

Again I do sincerely apologize if I have offended anyone who has OCD or knows of anyone who has this particular disorder. My intent was never to offend or belittle anyone who has OCD.