A reader has written to advice columnist Coleen Nolan, upset that her close friend has become cold and distant after reuniting with her husband. The friend had previously relied heavily on the reader for support during turbulent times in her marriage, even staying with her family on several occasions when her husband was "particularly horrible."
Friend's History of Affairs and Separation
The husband has had "numerous affairs" over the years, always promising it would be the last time, but it never was. The friend split up with him for a while and went to live with her sister for a few months, but recently got back together with him and they are living together again.
Since the reunion, the friend has been very cold towards the reader. She is never available to meet up and no longer discusses her marriage at all. The reader says this is "completely fine," but it feels weird because she is so used to being her confidante.
Coleen's Advice: Give Her Space
Coleen suggests the friend is probably embarrassed that she has told the reader everything and suspects she disapproves. She may also be aware that she has offloaded a lot and thinks she has used up all the reader's goodwill.
Coleen advises: "Drop her a line, saying it'd be great to catch up, that you hope everything is going well, and you're always here if she needs you. Then the ball is in her court. If you don't hear anything, then let it go."
