Friend wants her bestie to give up the ghost
The other possibility is that Maria simply doesn't value the friendship as much as you do. This doesn't invalidate your history together, but it does change your future.
The only thing I suggest you should do differently is to try to change your own perspective on this relationship, and to give what you want to give without the expectation that you will receive an equal amount (or, perhaps anything) in return. Expressing your own generosity can feel good, if you detach from the idea of reciprocation.
Dear Amy: I am pregnant with my first child -- a boy. For personal, well-considered and well-researched reasons, we have decided not to circumcise our child.
My husband and I quietly made this decision together, and expected the choice to stay there. Then my mother, a first-time grandmother, asked me outright what we planned to do regarding circumcision.
I told her we would abstain. She strongly recommended that I reconsider.
The following day, we received a text message from my parents outlining the reasons they thought we were making a horrendous decision. They begged us to circumcise the child.
I was furious at what I consider to be overstepping a boundary.
My husband and I made an informed choice, and we intend to stick by it.
I know this will leave my parents fuming.
How do I politely explain this, while also implying that I need them to keep their nose out of our intimate decisions?
...continued
