Dear Annie: I’m tired of my friend’s repeated last-minute favor requests

Dear Annie: Last week, my good friend “Jess” called me at 6 a.m. to ask if I could drive her to an appointment that same morning, even though I had to be at work by 8. This kind of last-minute favor is becoming a pattern. I’ve been tempted to say no, but she will always guilt me with something like, “You’re the only one I can count on!”

I really do value our friendship, but I feel drained by her constant needs. How can I let her know I need some firmer boundaries without making her feel like I’m abandoning her? — Feeling Drained

Dear Feeling Drained: You’re going to have to do what you’ve been avoiding: say no.

Tell her you want to be there for her, but you simply don’t have the time or energy to drop everything at a moment’s notice. It might be awkward at first, but a true friend will respect your limits.