Drawing upon her rich experience of life, Prudence (Prudie to her friends) responds to questions about manners, personal relations, politics, and other subjects. Please send your questions for publication to prudence@slate.com. Queries should not exceed 200 words in length. Please indicate how you wish your letter to be signed, preferably including your location.

Dear Prudie,

I have a problem with one of my "friends." To make a long story short, she has lied about multiple things since I became friends with her. The other night she asked my opinion about something, and once I told her she seemed fine. The next day, however, she proceeded to call everyone and repeat the story--only her version was different from what happened.

I sent her a card to let her know that if I'd hurt her feelings I was sorry, but I did not appreciate her telling everyone something untrue. My question is: Should I wait for her to respond or go ahead and call to initiate the conversation?

--Rumors Make Me Crazy in Tacoma

Dear Rum,

How about a third choice: unloading this "friend" who doesn't seem to know the truth from third base? When you say she has "lied about multiple things," Prudie wonders what possible value she can have to you.

You could, Prudie supposes, continue with this "friend" whose word you have no faith in, but the question remains: Whatever for? Bail out and clear your head.

--Prudie, truthfully

Dear Prudie,