A mother of elementary-age children, R. Eric Thomas, experienced a difficult year when friends ignored her grief and ignored her issues during which she was dealing with personal issues including a major loss and a major flood. His friends, A, B, and C, told him they were planning to send her some flowers to cheer her up, but he was surprised to discover they had not sent him any flowers or a sympathy card. This incident occurred several months ago but has affected their friendships. Thomas suggests that comparing their responses to each other may have highlighted underlying issues in the friendship, but it will strengthen if you discuss expectations for the future.