Dear Annie: My new friend is relentlessly critical, how do I deal with her negativity?

Dear Annie: I have recently made a new friend who has a wonderful personality except for one thing: She is relentlessly critical. Whenever we get together, she tends to make snide remarks or point out flaws in everything from the food to the decor to somebody’s outfit. I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinions, but her constant negativity makes it difficult for others (including me!) to relax and enjoy themselves.

I’ve considered addressing this with her directly, but I’m unsure of the best approach. Should I just grin and bear it, or is there a way to address the issue without causing undue tension? — Critique Fatigued

Dear Critique Fatigued: Tolerating constant negativity can take a toll on your own well-being and the dynamic of your friendship. So it’s important to address the issue and not just grin and bear it.

Talk to your friend, and offer specific examples to illustrate your point. But avoid placing blame or making sweeping generalizations. It’s possible that your friend may not notice how her behavior is affecting others.

She may be receptive to the feedback, or she may get defensive. It’s important that you both approach the situation with open-mindedness and mutual respect to work toward a resolution.

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].