DEAR HARRIETTE: I texted my friend a really personal message about something I was going through, something I don’t usually open up about, and it took a lot for me to be vulnerable and share how overwhelmed I’ve been feeling lately.

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When she finally responded, all she sent was a thumbs-up emoji.

I know people have different communication styles and not everyone knows how to respond to emotional conversations, but it honestly felt dismissive.

I kept rereading the message, wondering if I overshared or made her uncomfortable. We’ve been close friends for years, so I assumed she’d at least offer a few kind words or ask if I was OK.

Since then, our conversations have felt a little awkward, and now I’m second-guessing whether she values our friendship the same way I do. Par

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