Navigating Troubling Friendships: A High-Schooler's Dilemma

A high school student seeks advice on how to distance herself from a former friend who has exhibited troubling behavior. The student has successfully limited contact with the friend but is unsure how to handle the friend's attempts to renew the friendship. The advice given is to continue being polite, non-committal, and avoidant, while also considering the possibility of change in the friend's behavior. The student is cautioned against discussing the friend with their current friend to avoid getting caught in a friendship drama. In another letter, a person in their mid-30s expresses a desire to reclaim their adventurous and unconventional self after becoming focused on family life. The advice suggests finding small adventures in raising children and taking time away to reflect on larger life goals and seek new adventures.