Her childhood friend has turned toxic

DEAR AMY: My husband and I will be moving out of state in a few months. While I am very excited for this, there is one thing I am absolutely dreading: my friend who lives in that state. We were friends for one year in middle school before she moved away and we reconnected on Facebook a few years ago. By now we are both long out of school and raising children, but I can't help but feel she is still the same sixth-grader I knew. She texts me several times a day and will resend messages until I answer; she doesn't care if I am at work, running after a toddler or sleeping. I have talked to her about this several times but it never stops. When she came for my wedding a few months ago, she was late and made a scene everywhere we went; including getting mad at me one day for not being excited enough that she was there. She pouted the whole time. A few days ago, I called her and she responded by telling me she was going to punch me in the face if I don't get excited about living closer to her. Frankly, I just absolutely dread living that close to her and wish I had never told her about the move. I don't want to be mean, but after 20 minutes with this friend, I am completely drained and irritated and just want to leave this relationship.Frustrated Friend

DEAR FRUSTRATED: If you don't want to be "mean," then how about getting angry? This alleged "friend" of yours has handed you plenty of evidence that she is toxic. Now she has threatened to punch you in the face.

Even if said in jest, this remark is enough for you to sever the relationship. I find it chilling. I suggest you respond swiftly and with certitude: "When you suggested that you might punch me in the face, I decided this friendship has run its course." Do not soften your stance.

Your friend sounds dangerously intense, demanding and volatile. You can assume her life is littered with former friendships.