DEAR ABBY: More than a year ago, I heard my co-worker, whom I consider a friend, talking to another co-worker (who is a gossip) about my belly. I am 30 pounds overweight, and although I work out regularly, I still have this paunch from having had three kids. I am hurt that she would have said anything, but she doesn’t know I heard her.
Occasionally, I see her glance at my stomach and I’m reminded of what happened. It is bizarre. Why is she looking at my stomach or discussing it with someone else? I always admired her and felt she was a friend to me. Should I bring it up next time she looks at my stomach? I’m having a hard time overcoming the hurt and wonder if I’ve made a mistake by considering her a friend. What do you think? — SOFT IN THE MIDDLE
DEAR SOFT: You caught your co-worker in mid-gossip. Shame on her! What I think is that this woman isn’t as good a friend to you as you have been to her. If you wish to tell her you heard what she said and are very hurt by it, you are within your rights. Go for it, because she owes you an apology.
