This sounds like pure out and out jealousy but I honestly don't think it is. I have a great friend Liz. We've been through lots together - school, travel, my broken marriage, her long unhappy love affair. Now we're in our forties, with reasonably good jobs and not all moaning minnies.
Recently, however, a young cousin whom Liz hardly knew has come into her life and, to be honest, I think he is both a scrounger and a con man. He is very plausible, admires her furniture her clothes, her hair colour.
He comes around to her flat for a good supper, and often his taxi fare home which she thrusts into his hand because he's young and the young never have money. They might have some money if they went out to work for it. She paid for a holiday for him in Greece this summer because it was so awful for him not to be able to go with his friends.
Now I hear that she may not be able to afford the holiday she and I planned because she is giving him the deposit for a car - it would be so handy for him to drive.
I've said a few sharp words which went down badly. She keeps insisting that he's family. Well, yes, the son of a first cousin.
Is there anything I can do to stop this little waster bleeding my good generous friend dry? Or do I wait and pick up the pieces?
What do you think? Send your views to PO Box 6737, Dun Laoghaire. Writers of letters published will receive a £25 book token. This problem will be dealt with in Maeve's next monthly column on Saturday, October 9th.