I have a good friend who lives in my town. I’m not sure why, but we became estranged. She just stopped talking to me. After that, I decided I didn’t want her friendship anymore. But it’s uncomfortable to run into her. I smile, say hello, and move on. How do I stop feeling bad about this? —ANONYMOUS 

I OFTEN MAKE a pitch for trying to sort out the misunderstanding. “What happened between us? Why did you stop speaking to me?” I think the part of you that feels bad wants to do that too. But if you are committed to estrangement, you’ll have to live with the discomfort. How could you not flash on the good times and the hurtful ending every time you bump into her?

—Adapted from “Social Q’s” in The New York Times Magazine