DEAR ABBY: A family friend, “Simone,” makes the time we spend together unbearable. She’s married to my husband’s best friend, “Earl.” We see them often and spend many holidays together. Before Earl married Simone, we thought she was a pretty normal person and a great match for him. Over time, we have come to realize that she’s anything but.

Simone is loud and dramatic, and she loves to be the center of attention. One example: One day, she sat down in a chair and immediately started to panic that she could not get out of the chair due to her size (she’s overweight). My husband and other friends were taken aback because it was visibly clear that she wasn’t stuck. She demanded that someone help her get up, and it was embarrassing to watch.

Also, if she doesn’t get her way, she resorts to talking like a baby or making a scene. She constantly complains about being sick. It happens every time she isn’t the center of attention. My husband and I and another couple are getting fed up being around her. My husband has been best friends with Earl since they were kids, so this is a tough situation. I’d love some advice. — HARD TO BEAR IN THE SOUTH

DEAR HARD TO BEAR: Not all friendships last forever. The solution to your problem may be as simple as making yourself less available. Because your husband is on the same page as you and the other couple, it shouldn’t be too hard to start seeing Earl and Simone less often. When the men want to get together, they can do it without you. Try it, and it may bring you some relief.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.