My Sad Sack Friend Won't Leave Me Alone
I've already told her to stop contacting me. What else can I do?
Dear Friend or Foe,
In coming centuries it's quite possible that, when it comes time to reproduce, women will press some button on their inner thigh. In the meantime, able-bodied young men are good for the following gender-specific things: sex (procreative and nonprocreative); installing air conditioners; and, yes, moving heavy furniture up narrow flights of stairs. In short, I think you and your boyfriend are overthinking this by half. Call either Cindy or her boyfriend (whoever you're more comfortable calling) and say you want to ask a huge favor for which you'll be eternally grateful and which will be rewarded with a six-pack of cold beer. If the guy is even remotely a mensch, he'll say yes—and find time. If he feels "put on the spot" or inconvenienced, too bad. Moving day is what friends are for.
Sincerely,
Friend or Foe
Lucinda Rosenfeld is the author of four novels, including I'm So Happy for You and The Pretty One, which will be published in early 2013.



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