[Hapalee]

I have had this friend for 27 years, and I consider her my best friend. Last summer, I embarked on path to ultimately change careers that hopefully, will lead me to a more meaningful profession and life. Today, my friend informed me "that I need to get out of the professional student mode and just go get a job." She stated that I could find work anywhere and she didn't know what my problem was. Needless to say, I am over-educated but, have had difficulties finding a meaningful job that pays above minimum wage because I stayed at home with my children while they were young and then reentered the work force in my 40's after a 17 year hiatus. Last summer, I decided to start grad school again to gain skills and to help me change careers because the 60 hour weeks making a total of $20-25,000 moonlighting at a discount retailer and a coffee shop, while adjuncting at a comm college were just not cutting it anymore; left no time for anything other than little sleep. Long story short, I've started to notice that this friend frequently seems interested to engage in conversations with me for perhaps her own self serving reasons- as she frequently shoots back a text or email photos describing how great daily life is for her (somehow related to things I have talked about) immediately after our talks (text or voice) are over. Has anyone ever experienced this from anyone or am I reading too much into this? I notice this behavior almost every time I talk to her now, and I think it's weird behavior, and I wonder where it is coming from?

[Leed]

I can't say that I've experienced this, but ALL my friends DUMPED me after my husband died, so............

Why don't you "nicely" ask her that if HER life is so grand, why is she trying to DENY you a grand life, by carping about your attempts to MAKE it grand? You're going to school to try to improve your chances of making life better -- so what's HER problem?

She's either jealous of the time you spend away from her, or jealous that you're going to pass her in the money-making. Whatever her problem, I'm not sure I'd like it.

Sounds like after all these years, you two should be able to talk heart-to-heart. If you're friends after 27 years, I would think you'd be able to straighten this out. You might give it a try. It would be a shame to lose a friendship after all these years.

God bless and good luck! Hugs, Lee