I drifted apart from a friend several years ago. Lately, he’s been trying to reach me. I send his calls straight to voicemail, but he still calls and leaves long (occasionally mean) messages. He’s clearly not taking the hint that I don’t want to speak with him. How do I get rid of him without changing my number? —Lindsay

The easiest way to stop people from calling repeatedly is to answer them—once. In this case, say: “I understand that you are trying to reach me, but I’m not interested in renewing our friendship. Please stop calling.” Some people simply need to be told.

—Adapted from ‘Social Q’s’ in The New York Times