OK, I know this person very well. This kind of discussion can never happen. She blames everyone around her. She blames her husband, her children, and now me, of course. She is not one to "drop down" into honest discussion. That is why I call her a Prima Donna. She elevates herself above others.

When my friend was younger these bad traits were balanced out by her creativity, humor, and generosity. She has allowed many of these to fall by the wayside.

Also, I am not interested in friendships as therapy anymore. I am not into trying to dig out the reasons why she said this or that. It isn't my job to try to figure out her moods, the meaning behind her words, blah, blah, blah.

On holidays I send her beautiful cards with lighthearted messages and nice gifts. I refrain from droning on about all my problems.

My friend does not accept criticism well at all. This is because she allows herself to be abused verbally by her partner and I guess, does so in return.

I don't have this in my life. I don't settle conflicts with nasty words. I don't have to "set a good example" with my adult friend to teach her how to behave.

She also defended her loyalty and how much she has been there for me. I thought about it and realize she has deluded herself. She believes she gives much more than she does. Months and months will go by where she does not contact me or does not return my phone calls because she is self-absorbed and depressed.

I am really thinking she has evolved into a not very nice person.