Spouse struggles to forgive husband's friend
This really touched a nerve, so I suspect this is not the first time someone has critiqued her newfound approach to conversation. Though she apologized, I've found myself backing away since then.
Is there anything I can do or say to maintain our friendship but end the condescending "lessons"?
-- Had It
Dear Had It: Your friend has changed over the time you've known each other. Please, be brave enough to be honest with her. These moments of honesty between friends can be transformative. Tell her, "It bothers me when you change from listening mode to what I see as lecturing. I miss the easy back and forth we used to have."
Dear Amy: I want to add my voice to other readers who have objected to your choice to refer to a woman Ph.D. as "Ms." rather than "Dr." I thought it was disrespectful and sexist of you.
-- Another Ph.D.
Dear Another: Given the newspaper editing standard I use, I would have "disrespected" a male Ph.D. in the same way. I regret the impression this has left with readers.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
