Asking Eric: How do I tell a friend I prefer another friend’s company?

Dear Eric: I have been friends with two people for 45 years and 30 years, respectively, and we go away together at least twice a year.

However, I prefer going away with one friend more than the other friend, and sometimes two of us do go away on our own and say nothing. I realize if our other friend found out she would be very hurt, but how do you tell someone that the dynamics are different when she comes along and she can be quite self-centered?

I am in my late 50s and feel I should be able to do what suits me at this stage of my life. Why placate someone and, as a result, not enjoy myself as much?

She has more family commitments than we do, but in truth, we just prefer going away without her, commitments or no commitments. We just have more fun. What do you think?

— Three’s Sometime