Dear Abby: My longtime pal is falsely accusing me of mendacity about my training

DEAR ABBY: A longtime pal lately accused me of mendacity about my training, and I’m nonetheless surprised by it. I accomplished my undergraduate research within the U.S., incomes a BA, and later earned a grasp’s diploma from a French college. Recently, throughout an alternate on Facebook, my pal asserted, fairly confidently, that I used to be mendacity about my educational historical past. When I corrected her, she doubled down and mentioned that due to this, she wished to stop contact with me. 

While that is upsetting provided that the accusation is fake — I did end school, and I do have a graduate diploma — I’m much less distraught by her ignorance than by the understanding with which she accused me and the implication that I’m dishonest. I’ve at all times been simple about my background, and I discover it unsettling to have my integrity questioned by somebody who has identified me properly for 30 years. 

My dilemma is that this: Do I owe my pal proof or an evidence past what I’ve already mentioned? Or is it cheap to refuse to defend information which are true? It appears loopy to lose a friendship of 30 years over one thing I think about to be so trifling and, fairly frankly, silly. And but, I’m unsure I even need to be buddies with somebody who would deal with me so callously. What ought to I do? — WRONGLY ACCUSED IN NEW YORK

DEAR WRONGLY ACCUSED: I’m having bother understanding why you’ll need to work together with the lady in any respect after this. (I do know I’d create a long way.) That mentioned, you need to defend your self from the unjust accusation. If you might have entry to the paperwork, {photograph} them along with your cellphone and share them together with her. Then ask the place she obtained the concept that you hadn’t earned your levels and why you’ll deceive her or anybody about it. 

DEAR ABBY: When did it change into OK to make use of the F-word? I’m a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother who was born within the ’60s. When I used to be rising up, it wasn’t finished, no less than in well mannered circles. I by no means heard dad and mom say it in entrance of their youngsters, nor coaches for Little League groups and highschool groups. Now I hear it on a regular basis! I don’t say it as a result of I imagine I can get my level throughout with out having to make use of it. But now it’s utilized in regular dialog. 

You would suppose individuals would have extra confidence of their skill to hold on a dialog with out utilizing it. I do know I do. What has change into of our society? What might be mentioned to individuals who really feel it is part of regular dialog? — DISGUSTED IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR DISGUSTED: The English language is continually evolving, though some may say it’s devolving. The F-word was once uttered to precise ache, anger or shock or for emphasis. However, with overuse, it has misplaced its “power” and has come into widespread utilization. For many people who chorus from utilizing the F-word, it’s nonetheless grating to listen to. Feeling as you do, when somebody drops an F-bomb in entrance of you, and it makes you uncomfortable, you may say, “Please don’t use that word with me because it marks you down,” which is how you’re feeling. 

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also called Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.