DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend always seems to need to be the center of attention. Her behavior is starting to cause a strain on our friendship, and I'm not sure how to address it without hurting her feelings. She is 25 years old, but her actions remind me more of a teenager who craves constant validation. Whenever we go out in a group or even in more intimate settings, she finds ways to turn the conversation back to herself, often interrupting others or downplaying their experiences. It feels like every story I share is quickly overshadowed by one of her more dramatic tales. If someone else is getting attention, she tends to make exaggerated comments or perform antics to redirect the focus back to her. This behavior is not only irritating, it's also exhausting, and it feels like I'm constantly playing a supporting role in her ongoing quest for attention. I value our friendship and care about her deeply, but this aspect of her personality is becoming a significant issue. Do you think this is too big of a red flag to continue our friendship, or should I have the difficult conversation to try to help her? -- Best Friend Blues

DEAR BEST FRIEND BLUES: What is obvious to you may not be to your friend. You see how consistently she acts out to get attention, but there’s a good chance that she isn’t aware of her behavior. As her friend, you should tell her what you have observed and how inappropriate it is. Start by asking for her blessing to share something uncomfortable with her. That will get her attention. Then describe her behavior to her. Give her at least three examples so she can see what you are talking about. Let her know how it makes you feel and how you have observed others react to her. Tell her you don’t mean to hurt her feelings by telling her this, but you think it is important for her to know this about her behavior so that she can curb it.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend and I applied for the same out-of-state job, and only I got it. Should I go? “Danny” and I have been dating for three years. One of his closest friends invited us to apply for a job where he was interning, as they still needed three more people. The job pays well with lots of benefits. Before we applied, Danny and I discussed that if only one of us got in, we would still seize the opportunity. When I got the call, he was supportive, although I could feel his sadness as we had always talked about finally getting a place together if we both got in. All of Danny’s past relationships ended because he is not a long-distance person. Do you think this is worth the risk? -- Long Distance

DEAR LONG DISTANCE: Take the job. Encourage your boyfriend to apply for something else in the town where you will be going. You have to live your life. If he wants to be with you, he needs to take action to make it happen. You do not need to break up with him. You two can try to see if you can make it work, but ultimately, your circumstances will likely determine your future.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: My girlfriend and I have been dating for five months. How do I tell her that I know she is stealing from me?

I met “Dian” on an online dating app. The first instance of stealing occurred after two months of dating. I am a bit messy with my wallet, and that day I had withdrawn a significant amount of cash. She offered to organize it for me. The next morning, I noticed that $500 was missing. When I asked, she said I must have misplaced it. However, every time we spend the night together, I notice that $500 keeps disappearing. While it's not a big deal if she asks for it because I'm willing to give, I'm just put off by the stealing antics. -- Stealing GF

DEAR STEALING GF: You should be offended, even if your girlfriend is only taking $5 without asking -- but you are talking about $500! What in the world would make her think that it is OK to steal anything from you, let alone that much money, and more than once? You absolutely must confront her immediately. Ask her why she would do such a thing. Point out each time that it has happened, and make it clear that you know she took it. Mention that nothing like that ever happened to you before she was in your life. Get her to answer.

While there is no legitimate reason for stealing, I’m sure you would like to know what excuse she can muster. If she continues to lie, that’s just more reason for you to end this. It isn’t worth it to be in a relationship with someone who is dishonest in that way. Cut your losses by saying goodbye to her. Better now than later, when she goes for something more valuable.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Am I considered rude for saying no to all of the requests my cousin makes? He messaged me last week, telling me that he will be participating in an internship in New York, where I currently reside, and demanding to stay at my apartment. My place is small -- without much room even for one person -- and I explained this to him, but he keeps insisting. We’re not close, and this cousin acts familiar with everyone and makes insensitive jokes all the time. In my hometown, one of my closest friends worked with him and shared how unbearable he can be. Strangely, I felt validated. He is still spamming me with messages, insisting he will even bring a cushion when he stays over. -- Insufferable Cousin

DEAR INSUFFERABLE COUSIN: There is no rule that says you have to provide shelter for your cousin. Trust that someone like him will be hard to get rid of if you let him in. Stick to your refusal; you don’t even need an excuse. It is your right to allow whoever you want to live with you. When he complains and berates you, say that you are sorry you cannot accommodate him, but it will not be possible. He will have to find another solution to his housing needs.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend recently opened a new restaurant, so my family and I visited this week to show our support. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that the restaurant was struggling. The service was chaotic, and it seemed like the staff members were either undertrained or overwhelmed. At one point, one of the servers accidentally spilled water all over my daughter, which made for a very uncomfortable situation. While accidents happen, this seemed to be just one of many issues we encountered that night. The food was another major disappointment. Since it’s an Italian restaurant, we were excited to try the pizza, which is supposed to be their specialty. However, when our pizza arrived, it was cold and slightly burnt, making it almost inedible. The other dishes we ordered were bland and did not live up to our expectations.

At the end of the meal, my friend came over to our table and asked for our feedback. In the moment, not wanting to hurt her feelings, I told her everything was delicious and that we had had a great time. She seemed so happy and proud, and I didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth. Now I’m filled with regret because I know that honest feedback is crucial for her to improve her business. I’m torn between wanting to support my friend and feeling obligated to give her the honest feedback she needs to hear. How can I tell her without hurting her feelings? -- Bad Reviews

DEAR BAD REVIEWS: A true friend tells the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, in a way that the person can hear it. You should follow up with your friend. Tell her you want to share some notes about your experience at her restaurant. With her permission, give her a list of concerns you have, accompanied by specific experiences to illustrate your point. Encourage her to get feedback from others and incorporate improvements into her restaurant so that she can be successful. This may be hard for her to hear, but you will be doing her a disservice by letting her continue to believe the lie that everything was great.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I come from a highly religious background, and my mother holds strong beliefs. Recently, I received a free scratch-off lottery ticket at a gas station and ended up winning $400. Excited, I shared the news with my mother and asked her to come with me to claim it, only to be met with her refusal to accept the money due to religious reasons. She believes that gambling is associated with evil. How do I reason with her so I can get the payout? I’m 16. -- Want a Payout

DEAR WANT A PAYOUT: Since your mother is absolutely not going to help you get your cash, you either have to forgo it out of respect for her or get another adult to cash it for you. As a minor under your mother’s care and guidance, you will be breaking her rules to cash it out. Are you ready to live with the repercussions of that? Is $400 worth disgracing yourself in the eyes of your mother? While you may not agree with her strict rules, you are not in a position to care for yourself without her help. It’s best to wait until you are an adult and fully self-sufficient before you make choices that blatantly go against your mother’s values.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)