Dear Abby: Lifelong friends are raising an absolutely intolerable preteen girl

DEAR ABBY: My friend “Buddy’s” daughter is at an age between my two daughters’ ages. She is 11; mine are 10 and 13. I’ve known Buddy since junior high, and our wives get along well. We live close to each other, and that’s great, but their daughter “Edie” is a nightmare to have stay with us. She’s mean, arrogant, disobedient and incredibly rude.

My wife and I love spending time with Buddy and his wife. Their younger daughter is 3 and adorable but also very spoiled. We don’t want to jeopardize our friendship, but it’s starting to wear on us to have Edie here without going off on them about her behavior. How can we bring this to their attention without it seeming like we’re critiquing their parenting and upsetting them? — FED UP IN ILLINOIS

DEAR FED UP: Is Edie mean, arrogant, disobedient and rude in the presence of her parents, or has she been invited to spend time with your girls separately? If it is the latter and you don’t want Edie to negatively influence your girls by modeling bad behavior, explain to her that you have “certain rules” at your house and what they are. Make sure she knows that if she can’t follow the rules she won’t be invited again.

If Edie behaves this badly in her parents’ presence, tell Buddy and his wife privately that although you value their friendship, you no longer want their daughter over there because you don’t want her behavior to influence your own kids.

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