Dear Carol,

I made a friend group of a guy and a girl and me. The problem is that he likes me more than I like him—and she likes him more than he likes her. She gets jealous of the attention he gives me. He finds her a bit annoying (she has autism and can’t read his emotions). We’re only at church together, but I don’t want anyone’s feelings getting hurt.

– Friend Group Troubles

Dear Friend Group Troubles,

This does sound complicated. But your particular trio doesn’t have to be friends forever, and you don’t have to stay stuck. If you see each other only at church, maybe just roll with it as best you can, then head home. Or try to add others to the mix. As for your friend with autism, many, many people are on the spectrum. We all have different gifts and challenges and things we can teach each other. But since you are the one who wrote me, I’ll remind you that there are more than three people in the world. Be open to saying hi to new girls and classmates—you’ll make more friends in church and school and everywhere else.

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk, Speed of Life and Ava and Pip. Follow her on Insta @carolwestonnyc and visit carolweston.com.

More Dear Carol advice, right this way…
🍁 “Dear Carol, My friendship is falling apart”
🍁 “Dear Carol, I’m exhausted”
🍁 “Dear Carol, Was I in the wrong?”