Title: Holiday Card Excludes Wife, Sparking Concern

Every year, a woman receives a holiday card from friends that is addressed only to her husband. This annual tradition leaves her feeling excluded and hurt. The card, filled with updates about their family’s adventures and achievements, does not include her name on the envelope, despite her long-standing relationship with the couple.

The woman, who has been married for over 20 years, has met the wife and even attended her wedding. She expressed her feelings of exclusion to her husband, who brought it up with his friend last year. The friend seemed surprised and promised to address the issue before sending out the next card. However, when the card arrived this year, her name was still missing.

This ongoing situation has left her feeling like a "grown-up mean girl" is intentionally excluding her. She is frustrated and has considered sending a card to the family but leaving the wife’s name off as a form of retaliation.

In response to her concerns, advice suggests that since her husband’s intervention did not resolve the issue, it may be time for her to address the matter directly. She could call the wife to express her feelings and ask why her name is consistently omitted from the holiday greeting. If the exclusion continues after that conversation, it may indicate a lack of consideration on the wife’s part, prompting her to limit interactions with her.

In another letter, a woman expresses discomfort with her friend, Laurie, who often dates men already in relationships. Although they have supported each other through tough times, the woman is hesitant to socialize with Laurie and her husband due to trust issues. She is contemplating ending the friendship but feels conflicted about abandoning a friend in need.

Advice for her includes recognizing Laurie’s pattern of behavior and trusting her instincts. If she feels strongly about the situation, it may be beneficial to communicate her feelings to Laurie, as she deserves to know how her actions affect their friendship.

Both letters highlight the complexities of friendships and the importance of communication in addressing feelings of exclusion and discomfort.