Dear Annie:

My best friend, "Denise," recently moved back to our hometown after two years away. We talk every day, and there is hardly anything we keep from each other. The problem is, Denise is perpetually unhappy.

Since she moved back, her negativity has started to conflict with my own life. I have made several attempts to get her to join my social circle and acclimate her to life here. Each time, she makes excuses and instead spends her time alone. As a result, I end up splitting my activities between Denise and my other friends and inevitably making someone a little annoyed. Whether it is complaining about her job, her school, her boyfriend or her home life, the whining is endless and my other friends are starting to be offended by her demeanor. Any suggestions? - Grumpy's Best Friend

Dear Best Friend:

Since you and Denise "hardly keep anything" from each other, it's time for the truth. Tell her she seems out of sorts since she moved back. Explain that her constant complaining indicates she may be suffering from depression and ought to speak to her doctor. If Denise makes a sincere effort to be more positive, it will be reflected in her reality, so remind her, nicely, when she complains too much.

perpetually (adv.) 永远地;不绝地

negativity (n.) 负面情绪或态度

to acclimate (v.) 使适应

inevitably (adv.) 无可避免地;必然地

to whine (v.) 抱怨;埋怨

demeanor (n.) 举止;态度

to be out of sorts 不舒服的;闹脾气的

to indicate (v.) 指出;指示

sincere (adj.) 诚挚的;诚心的

to be reflected in 反映;出现在