Dear Annie: I am a 24|year|old female and have been friends with Danielle for 12 years. In fact, she is the only friend I have. Recently, I expressed some personal frustrations to her about my brother|in|laws lifestyle. Last weekend, he came to visit and was obviously angry with me, but refused to say why. My brother|in|law and Danielle converse often, and I am fairly certain she told him what I said. This isnt the first time Danielle has done spiteful things to me. I have even called some things to her attention, and she apologizes, but nothing changes. In the past, I have overlooked Danielles underhanded behavior in order to save our friendship. I want to confront her about this latest incident, but dont know how to do it without hurting her emotionally. Confidences Betrayed in N.C.
Dear N.C.: If this latest incident turns out to be Danielles fault and you confront her, at best she will follow custom and apologize but change nothing. This is a toxic friendship, where you think its necessary to appease her every time she hurts you. Apologize to your brother|in|law for whatever you may have done that upset him, and be cordialnothing moreto Danielle. You need to branch out and find more trustworthy friends.
spiteful:怀恨的，恶意的
frustration：挫败，失败
obviously：明显的
underhanded：秘密的，狡诈的
to follow custom：根据往例，传统
to appease：平息，缓和
cordial：友好的，真挚的
to branch out：扩大，增加
