Dear Annie: I am, I confess, guilty of ghosting a friend. I used to talk to her daily and had meals with her and her child. I explained to her how we communicated differently, and she just never “got it.”

After she began sending TikTok videos, I just gave up.

While I don’t want to hurt her feelings, communicating with her makes me anxious. I needed to draw the line to preserve my sanity.

Perhaps some of those who have been ghosted might examine their own communications. — Ghosting

Dear Ghosting: There’s nothing wrong with boundaries, but the definition of ghosting is to cut someone off abruptly without explanation.

Your letter doesn’t express why she made you so anxious — surely it had to be something worse than a few TikTok videos — but if you truly want to cut ties, it’s important to tell her why, gently and compassionately, of course.

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].