Dear Eric: One of my neighbors and I have been taking a long walk (about five miles) on most Saturday mornings since the pandemic. We both enjoy the exercise and the company.

Recently, another woman, who also lives in the neighborhood, has expressed a desire to join us on these walks. We have both decided that we don’t enjoy this woman’s company enough to spend a couple of hours with her on a weekly basis. We don’t know how to blow her off without offending her. Any ideas what we might say to her that would not be cruel but would get the message across?

– Walk Off

Dear Walk Off: As this is a tradition that goes back a few years, it’s fair to tell the third neighbor that you and your friend have come to appreciate this special time together and would prefer to preserve it. Even if you’re not discussing deeply personal matters on your walks, you’ve established a rhythm and a relationship that would be changed by adding someone else. Your neighbor might not be thinking of that aspect. Sure, it could come off as cliquish, but you’re not obligated to respond to every person who invites themselves into your plans.

If you’re inclined to socialize with her in smaller doses, suggest a shorter walk or a different activity on another day, if you have time. But it’s not cruel to say that this is a special thing you and your friend have planned together, and you value it the way it is. Your neighbor can accept that.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.