Dear Annie: I have a friend who I love dearly, but I take issue with how they talk when children are around. Their foul language just shocks me. They don’t care. Even the grandparents swear.

Am I too much of a prude?

I feel like telling them they sound very uneducated and it’s abusive to kids. Their kids are cursing, too, their 7 and 10 year olds. I just feel sad about this.

Am I wrong? — Very Loose Lips

Dear Loose Lips: This sounds like a very uncomfortable situation.

You and your friends clearly have different opinions on what is and isn’t acceptable, but for the sake of the children, it’s worth gently expressing your discomfort.

The next time this comes up, try saying something to the parents like, “I don’t mind how you talk when it’s just us, but I do worry about the language that’s used when we’re around the kids. Could we ease up on the swearing when they’re around?”

Emphasizing your concern for the kids here instead of criticizing the parents will show your heart is in the right place.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“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].