My friend "Marianna" won't give me breathing room and cannot stop talking. She is constantly hanging on my arm, literally and figuratively. She is very emotionally clingy, calling as many as three times a day after spending six hours with me in school. I don't like talking on the phone and have hinted as much, but the hour-long conversations persist. She will also grab my hand and twist my fingers, tap my leg repeatedly with her foot, lean on me, etc. It's exhausting and annoying.

I don't want to hurt her feelings or end the friendship because she's usually a lot of fun. But I am sick of her constant chatter and lack of respect for my personal space. How can I politely give her the message to back off? － Annoyed in California

Dear Annoyed:

The phone calls are easy－after you've had enough, say, "I have to get off the phone now. I'll talk to you later," and hang up. You also have the option of letting her calls go to voicemail. If she twists your fingers, yell "ouch" loudly. The rest requires kindness and firmness. It's OK to tell Marianna that you treasure the friendship but are uncomfortable with so much physical contact. A real friend cares about your feelings, too.

 

to back off   后退；给…空间或自由

literally  (adv.)   字面（上）地；完全地

figuratively  (adv.)   比喻地；象徵地

conversation  (n.)   交谈；谈话

to persist  (v.)   持续；坚持

to tap   轻敲；轻打

annoying  (adj.)   烦人的；令人烦恼的

politely  (adv.)   有礼貌地；客气地

to hang up   挂断；挂上

voicemail  (n.)   语音信箱