DEAR ABBY: Some longtime friends, “the Smiths,” are driving us crazy. They are the kind of people who would do anything for us, but we’re at the end of our rope with them. Every single conversation involves listening to them brag about their son or grandson, neither of whom is anything special. The Smiths never ask about our kids or grandkids.

We’ve had to stop inviting them when we host others for dinners at our house. Friends have quietly asked us to not invite them when the Smiths are going to be there. They dominate the conversations with their endless stories, which are of no interest to anyone else.

The Smiths are ultrasensitive. Any request for them to modify their behavior would result in the immediate loss of the friendship. Help! -- WORN OUT IN ALABAMA

DEAR WORN OUT: Quit invi

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