Dear Annie: I'm a 15-year-old girl with a big problem. A few weeks ago, I did something I regret very much.

After learning that my three best friends had once again excluded me from some inside joke, I got on MySpace and remarked to a friend at another school that they were acting like witches. They found out and immediately turned on me. I apologized several times, explaining that I didn't really mean it. I said I was just feeling hurt and left out. One of them forgave me, but "Ellie and Caroline" did not. I talked to my mom and told her what I had done, and she said it would blow over in time. She assured me it would be OK eventually because we had been such good friends and I had apologized right away.

Well, it's been over a month. Caroline lives in my neighborhood and we've been friends for five years. I don't want to spend the rest of the summer (or my life) without her. Ellie and I were never as close, but I will miss her as well.

Annie, I don't know what else to do. I think they're actually getting some enjoyment out of ignoring me. My other friends say they never really cared about me if they were willing to drop a "best friend" so easily.

I completely understand they were hurt by my words, but I was hurt by their actions. How do I make amends if they won't even speak to me? — Stay or Go

Dear Stay or Go: These girls do not sound like "best friends." Of course it was wrong of you to complain about them. However, why are they excluding you? Why are they unwilling to forgive you? Why do they seem to enjoy making you miserable? You have apologized. Now you need to occupy yourself with other things and other people. If they see they can no longer upset you, they may decide to be friends again, but we have to wonder why you'd want them.

Dear Annie: In spite of years of trying and numerous procedures, my wife and I are unable to have children. We regularly deal with inconsiderate, thoughtless, even cruel comments and questions from friends, family and others. We are considered too old to adopt, and we are cautious about becoming foster parents. We give time, love, energy and money to children of friends and family. We don't complain about our situation. In fact, my wife would not even approve of my writing to you.

We just learned that my aging parents have chosen to give the bulk of their estate to my brother and his children. This only adds to our sense of loss. Lately, my wife has been having serious issues dealing with everything. How can I ease the pain surrounding all of this? — Not Looking Forward to Another Father's Day

Dear Not: Couples who are unable to have children often grieve for years. Your parents' insensitivity only adds to your loss, although we are sure they have no idea how deeply their decision has hurt you. Please contact Resolve (resolve.org), 1760 Old Meadow Rd., Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102 for support and suggestions.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from "Paul," the 29-year-old man who has never dated. It reminded me of my sister. "Dana" is 25 and the female version of Paul. She's never been on a date. I have tried getting her to try online dating, but she's not interested. Like Paul, she is reserved and the intellectual type. She has a great sense of humor and enjoys going out and having fun with her friends, but is not interested in meeting new people.

Would it be possible to give her phone number to Paul and see if they "click"? — Her Sister

Dear Sister: Sorry, but we cannot use our column as a dating service. However, your letter should be a source of encouragement for Paul and others who are still searching for that elusive special person.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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