DEAR ABBY: I’m a professional travel adviser who works on commission. Many of my clients are friends or relatives, and I sincerely appreciate their patronage. Many years ago, my husband and I became friends with a delightful couple. We patronized the husband’s business, and they introduced us to many of their friends. We sponsored them into a social club, and they made many new friends because of it. We have entertained them in our home numerous times for private dinners and summer pool parties.
They booked an inexpensive cruise through me once. Unfortunately, a few years ago there was a disagreement, and we prevailed. In retribution, they distanced themselves from us. They travel with many of the friends they introduced us to, and since then, the entire group arranges their travel through someone else, although they still accept our dinner and party invitations.
It’s distressing that the spite of one couple has soured our relationships with two other couples who apparently feel closer to them. I consider the others to be “collateral damage,” and we have distanced ourselves from them, too. Am I too sensitive? -- TRAVELING AWAY IN TEXAS DEAR TRAVELING: I don’t think so. As you stated, these people were always closer to the couple who distanced themselves from you after the disagreement than they were with you. It may be disappointing, but it isn’t a big personal loss. A loss of income, yes, but that’s business, and business is replaceable. It’s time to start cultivating some new friends, and this time, don’t mix business with pleasure, which, as you have learned the hard way, can be risky.