I feel drained by her constant needs. How can I let her know I need firmer boundaries without making her feel abandoned?

Dear Annie: Last week, my good friend “Jess” called me at 6 a.m. to ask if I could drive her to an appointment that same morning, even though I had to be at work by 8. This kind of last-minute favor is becoming a pattern. I’ve been tempted to say no, but she will always guilt me with something like, “You’re the only one I can count on!”

In today's Dear Annie column, a frustrated reader has trouble saying no, even though they have neither the time nor energy to deal with a steady stream of requests from a friend.