Published: September 30, 2007 01:33 am            

Love, Sidney

Got a problem you’d like to share with Sidney? Write to her at: The Meridian Star, P.O. Box 1591, Meridian, MS 39301 or e-mail her at sidneycovington@comcast.net. All submissions are confidential and go directly to Sidney.



Dear Sidney,



I have a friend that drives me crazy ... all she does is brag, brag, brag.

My husband and I scrimped and saved and finally purchased our first brand new car. We had always had to drive used vehicles, which was fine, but our dream was to eventually buy a brand new one. When we would go out to eat as couples, the four of us would spend time walking through the different lots checking out the new cars and dreaming out loud. They were even helping us “shop” knowing what we wanted and what we could afford.

Finally, my hubby and I went to the dealership and bought that car!! Naturally the first place we drove our new car to was to our friend’s house. They came out and seemed to genuinely be happy for us! But, the next weekend, they came to our house with a new car, too, but one that had more extra bells and whistles than ours. We tried to be happy for them but, it honestly, was a kick in the teeth for some reason.

Other times if I tell her I’m going to fix a roast for dinner, she’s having filets on the grill, or if I tell her we’re going to take a weekend trip just to get away, they are going for four days to a chalet in the Smokies.

He’s (her husband) not as bad about it but he helps her!!! It doesn’t matter what my husband and I say we’re going to do, they are, too. And their whatever is going to be bigger and better!! We really like them, but this is getting so old! Is there anything I can say to her to make her stop trying to make everything a competition? Other than that, we really enjoy their company.



Not up for the competition



Dear Competition,



I guess we’ve all known someone like that, haven’t we?

Nothing wrong with a little healthy competition but when it’s geared around having to always one-best-one, then it’s not particularly healthy. This can be a sign of insecurity on the part of the braggart. Others can be considered a bit meanspirited. In your case, I don’t know if your friend can help it or not, or if they even realize what they’re doing.

Do you know them well enough that you’d feel comfortable asking them about this without harming the friendship? hat’s always something you have to watch out for, of course. Perhaps, you and your hubby shouldn’t share all your future plans with them ... if you’re going to the beach, go quietly and when you return don’t make a big deal out of it. If you’re going to buy that new riding lawn mower, get it and ride it — just don’t make crop circles in their front yard.

In other words, keep the friendship on a light and friendly one — it’s obvious that other than this irritating practice of theirs, you all enjoy each other — just don’t share all your plans with them.

Your friend reminds me of a friend of mine who was very much the same way. I loved her as a friend, but no matter what I did, she was right there behind me doing the same or something similar. Not being one to allow things to fester, I like to “tackle”or give attention to those types of things ... so, one day in a joking manner after one of her habitual “I can do that’s,” I sweetly smiled and said, “You know, BragginBrenda, I bet if I had one hysterectomy, you’d have two!!!”

She started laughing and it somewhat helped get the message across ... she doesn’t try to compete with me as much anymore. Finding out she couldn’t have two hysterectomies sure settled her down!



Good luck!



Love, Sidney



•••



Congratulations to The Meridian Star on another fabulously successful Taste of Home Cooing School held last Tuesday night at the MSU Riley Center. If you didn’t make it this year, be sure you don’t miss it next year! A special thanks also to the sponsors of Taste of Home: Riley’s Hospital, Piggly Wiggly of Collinsville, Bonita Lakes Mall, Lowe’s, Pearl River Resort and Meridian Community College. Special guest was Kraft Kitchen.

        

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