cover image What Did I Do Wrong? When Women Don't Tell Each Other the Friendship Is Over

What Did I Do Wrong? When Women Don't Tell Each Other the Friendship Is Over

Liz Pryor, . . Free Press, $19.95 (193pp) ISBN 978-0-7432-8631-2

Women's friendships and connections are traditionally viewed as strong, faithful, ideally lifelong. But the reality is disturbing: initially intimate friendships can suddenly turn sour and end in dances of avoidance in which phone calls aren't returned and vague excuses are made. Magazine columnist Pryor candidly examines the strangely conflicted nature of women's friendships. "Women's love and commitment to one another is abounding," she writes, "yet when friendships end, we show little to no respect or honor for that which has enriched, supported, and even prolonged our lives." The book is written in a highly personal style and contains intimate anecdotes from her own experience. Even more touching, she genuinely cares for the women she has interviewed, who are heartbroken or confused over the loss of longstanding friendships. Pryor makes some pragmatic suggestions about how to draw back from problematic friends yet communicate caring and respect. She shows that the strongest friendships can come full circle and that while circumstances and lifestyle differences can separate women, it's not impossible for reconnections to occur. Pryor believes that emotional honesty is critical in allowing women to feel good about themselves and their friendship decisions. Good Morning America appearance. (Apr. 4)