Dear Annie: Our friendship seems very one-sided of late

Dear Annie: I’ve been friends with “Jessie” for several years, but lately, I’ve been feeling like the friendship is one-sided. I’m always the one reaching out, making plans and putting in the effort. Jessie has been responding to my texts with one-word answers, if at all.

I value our friendship a lot, but I’m starting to question whether she feels the same way. How can I address this issue without seeming needy? Should I confront her or let it go and just hope it changes back to what it was like before? Any guidance would be appreciated. — Friendship on Uneven Ground

Dear Uneven Ground: Friendships are not transactional. There are naturally times when one friend gives more than the other. Perhaps Jessie is going through a difficult season of life and simply doesn’t have the capacity to initiate contact.

Reach out to her; tell her that she has felt distant recently and that you miss her; and gently ask how she is doing.

If she brushes you off, and if the blatant imbalance in your relationship continues, then perhaps your friendship has run its course. Not everyone who comes into your life is meant to stay forever; that doesn’t mean you can’t treasure your friendship for what it was.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].