Dear Annie: I’m having a problem that feels small, but it’s starting to make me dread seeing someone I care about. One of my closest friends has gotten into the habit of “correcting” me in public. If I tell a story, she interrupts to adjust a detail. If I mention a restaurant, she jumps in with the exact neighborhood and the chef’s name. If I pronounce a word slightly wrong, she repeats it back the right way with a smile that’s supposed to be playful.

At first, I brushed it off. She’s smart and she has always been a little particular. But lately, it feels constant, and it makes me feel foolish. The worst part is she does it in front of other people, and I can see them glance at me like I’m the one who’s sloppy or clueless.