Dear Abby: I have a longtime friend, "Erin," who is my age (early 60s). She retired several months ago and has told me a couple of times since then that she has stopped wearing bras. I thought she meant around the house, but she means ALL the time. Erin is generously endowed and has "headlights." In warmer weather, she's less likely to wear a cardigan, so the lack of a bra or anything else to preserve a bit of modesty other than wearing her shirts in a larger size is starting to bother me.
I don't normally care what other women wear. But I cringe having Erin around my husband and other friends, and I no longer want to go out and about with her. Am I a prude? If this were something occasional, I would ignore it. But this seems to be forever. If I say something, what should I say?
-- Can't Unsee This in California
Dear Can't Unsee: If your longtime friend is unaware of how much of her "assets" are on display, someone should point it out. If she asks why you have distanced yourself, be truthful. (You may be doing her a favor.) Do not, however, expect her to stop doing what she's been doing. Erin has the right to go braless if she wishes. Only you can decide whether her lack of attire is grounds for ending a long friendship.
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