Q. I have a very dear friend who lives in Scotland, so we rarely see each other. Before the internet existed, we would call each other on the landline two or three times a year for a pleasant catch-up, and meet sporadically. However, since the onslaught of social media, my friend has taken to sending several WhatsApps per day, almost always saying things like ‘How is your day going?’, adding a few banal details of the current weather in the Highlands or what she plans to bake that day. I feel guilty if I don’t reply at all, so find myself sending pleasantries back, even though I am feeling very irritated by the constant interruptions. I can’t think how to rectify this without offending her. Any advice, Mary?
— G.J., Cheshire
A. Message your friend to say that your phone has informed you how many hours you are spending online each week.
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