Is My Friend Using Me for Rides?

Dear Advice Girl,

My best friend is supportive and fun, but she depends on me to drive her everywhere. She'll ask me to drop what I'm doing to drive her places, and she guilt trips me if I don't. It drives me insane!

Can I talk to her about it without hurting her feelings, or should I keep my mouth shut because it's my responsibility as a good friend?

Signed,
   Amanda

Dear Amanda,

A good friend gives her pal a ride if she's headed in that direction, or if it's not too far out of the way, or if there's an emergency.

What you're doing, though, is way beyond the realm of a good friend. It's being a personal chauffer.

The next time she asks for a ride you can't give her, apologize and say no. "I'm busy with other stuff" or "That's too far out of my way" are good enough excuses - but if she keeps pressing, stand your ground. Being firm with her now will save you from even worse drama down the road.

If her feelings are hurt, well, good. She has to learn that friends aren't taxis.

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