Dear Annie: I’ve had a friend for over 30 years whom I’ve always helped out. I provided him with work when he needed money, loaned him money, and supported him through his divorce and various other issues over the years. I was always happy to do so and never expected anything in return.
A couple of years ago, he was selling some furniture that I was interested in buying. I offered to purchase the pieces I wanted, but he insisted on selling everything as a set, which I understood.
Recently, I asked him about the furniture again, and to my surprise, he told me he had given it away to his neighbors — people he’s only known for a few years. I was shocked but didn’t say anything at the time because I didn’t want to overreact.
What puzzled me even more was that he needed money, and the amount I would have paid him could have helped him out, yet he chose to give it away for nothing.
A mutual friend of ours was also shocked when he heard what happened. When he asked our friend about it, he simply said he gave the furniture away without any explanation. Even when our mutual friend mentioned that I was disappointed about not being able to buy the pieces, our friend offered no response and just changed the subject.
Is it time to move on from this friendship? — Disappointed and Confused in Michigan
Dear Disappointed: I’m not sure this situation warrants completely ending your friendship, but it certainly calls for a conversation.
Ask your friend why he chose to give the furniture to his neighbor. There might be more to the story; perhaps the neighbor was going through a tough time and needed the furniture.
You’ll never know the real reason unless you ask.
Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.
“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
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