Do I Have To Be Friends With My Cousin?

Dear Advice Girl,

My cousin and I used to get along, but lately she's always criticizing me about my wardrobe, saying my hair is greasy and how I have rolls on my stomach when she has tight abs. My sister says she's turning into a prep. Should I still try to be friends with her?

Signed,
   Nicole

Dear Nicole,

Preppy or not, your cousin is being a jerk by constantly hurting your feelings. And jerks are not exactly friend material.

Here's the thing, though. You and your cuz aren't required to be besties - but you'll share a connection with her that'll last your whole life. And that's not something you can drop just 'cause you feel like it.

So before you do anything, have a heart to heart with her. Tell her how much her insults are hurting your feelings - and your friendship. She might just be oblivious, and hearing it from you will snap her out of it.

And if it doesn't? Try not to explode. After all, you still have to see her at Thanksgiving.

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