Dear Annie: I have lunch once a month with my friend of more than 20 years, “Patrice.” Lately, though, all she talks about are her perfectly wonderful children and grandchildren. She doesn’t ask about my adult children, and I don’t have grandchildren myself.

It has become uncomfortable, almost like she’s saying, “Look what I have that you don’t.” I don’t know that she’s deliberately trying to hurt my feelings, but either way, it’s really starting to hurt. Now, I find myself making excuses and canceling lunches to avoid her and feeling this way.

Should I speak up, or should I just continue to applaud her good fortune, flawless children and incredible grandchildren? -- Worn-Out Old Ear

Dear Old Ear: I see why you’re drained. You go to lunch expecting to catch up with an old friend, but

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