By james art 
Dear Annie: I am writing in response to the letter about the friend who was ignored and not invited to join the group. True friendship is built on respect, kindness, and mutual support, not on dismissive or hurtful behavior. The writer sounds like a thoughtful and sensitive person, someone who values meaningful relationships and they deserve friendships that are caring and reciprocal.
In situations like this, it’s best to let go of the pain by forgiving the person—not necessarily for their sake, but for your own peace of mind. Holding onto a grudge only deepens the wound. Forgive them, wish them well, and move on, knowing that you are making room in your life for people who genuinely value you. Sometimes outgrowing certain relationships is a natural part of life and can lead to finding deeper and more fulfilling connections.
As painful as it may be, it’s important to know when it’s time to let go of a so-called friendship that no longer serves you. Pray for the snubbers, forgive them, and focus your energy on the friendships that lift and nourish your spirit. — Forgiveness is a gift
Dear Forgiveness: I am printing your thoughtful letter because it emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, not only for the sake of the person who wronged you, but also for your own mental and emotional well-being. Thank you for sharing your insights on one of my favorite topics – the power of forgiveness.
Dear Annie: We recently moved into a new house and within just three months we had a parade of lawyers knocking on our door or ringing the bell. After the sixth one, I was so frustrated that I started using the Ring app on my phone to answer them remotely because I just didn’t want to deal with it anymore.
However, if I ignore them, they often come back later! It’s as if they don’t understand—or don’t care—that they’re not welcome.
To try and solve the problem, we even went out and purchased some “No Trespassing” and “No Searching” signs that are clearly visible from the street. Yet, despite these signs, they still have the audacity to walk right into our property and ring the doorbell! I don’t understand – what is wrong with these people? Can’t they respect our privacy and follow the obvious signs?
It becomes more than a nuisance; this is really disturbing. There’s something about strangers knocking on your door uninvited that makes you feel insecure in your own home. These lawyers are even worse than junk mail or email spammers because, unlike a spam message in my inbox, they physically invade my personal space. I don’t think these people realize how intrusive and out of place their actions feel.
Please help spread the word that most of us don’t want strangers showing up on our doorstep uninvited. It’s not only annoying, it’s frustrating to have to deal with this all the time. “I’m sick of lawyers.”
Dear Sick of Solicitors: If you have already put up signs and asked the solicitors to stop, then at this point they are trespassing on your property. The next time you’re faced with this problem, consider asking your neighbors what they’re doing. You might even band together and see if the police can enforce a no solicitation policy in your neighborhood.
With all that you are bombarded with outside your home, you have the absolute right to protect the peace and sanctity of your home.
How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner? is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology—featuring beloved columns on marriage, infidelity, communication, and reconciliation—is available in paperback and e-book. Visit for more information. Send your questions about Annie Lane to [email protected].
Photo: Joseph Corl on Unsplash