Ask Amy: Shunned friend misses old pals

Dear Amy: I lived in a place with my two best friends as roommates. We were the Three Musketeers. Then my two roommates started getting together.

Once they started doing their thing, I felt like they completely dropped me, and suddenly, I was living in a house where I almost felt like a stranger.

They eventually moved out. They don't seem to understand why I'm upset about my two best friends completely disregarding me. They had each other, and I was alone.

I still care about them, but I can't get them to understand why I felt so hurt. Any suggestions?

Amy says: If two points of a relationship triangle form an alliance, the other point is left hanging, isolated on the isosceles.

Unfortunately, many times even a beautiful and close friendship triangle is no match for the pull of attraction and exclusivity when two people couple-up and form their own little bubble.

You've explained how hurt you've been. You feel abandoned by two people you were very close to.

But prepare for the possibility that they will not give you what you want. And at some point, you're going to have to consider forgiving them to see if you can form your own new friendship geometry.

Dear Amy: My siblings and I would like advice.

Our parents will be celebrating their 40th anniversary, and have asked if all the children, their spouses and the grandkids would be able to go on a family vacation together to celebrate the occasion and spend time with one another.

We are now starting to plan the vacation, and my sister-in-law "Susan" is acting extremely rude to my parents about it. She is insisting and demanding to my father's face and in the presence of other family members that the only way she and her family will attend is if my dad pays for it, as this is what "everyone does" in a similar situation.

My parents both work. They are unable to retire because they are supporting my grandmother. All of my siblings are doing very well, and we are grateful for all that our folks have done for us.

My perspective is that if her family doesn't want to come, fine!

What would be appropriate to say if she makes this demand again? She has now done this twice in front of everyone. My brother is silent, which summarizes the past 10 years.

Amy says: I suggest that you reach out to Susan privately (email might be best), saying something like: "You've brought up our folks' 40th anniversary vacation a couple of times now, so I thought it would be good to clarify how the plans are starting to shape up. We siblings are going to plan and give this family vacation to our folks as an anniversary gift. It's well deserved for two hardworking people who are celebrating this milestone anniversary. It would be nice if you could join us, but your family would be expected to pay your portion, so that will be up to you. I hope this clears up any confusion."

Your neutral and polite message might anger her, but so be it.