Posted by Gracie2 on August 5, 2001, at 16:16:30
In reply to Re: A friend pulls away, posted by susan C on August 4, 2001, at 18:23:56
I had a friend who was pretty much the same way. She was always giving un-asked for advice and constantly interrupting me because she knew more about every subject in existence than anyone else in the world. She was constantly correcting and judging me. Even worse, she decided that we were in competition. If I bought a car, she bought a more expensive car. If I went to Florida on vacation, she would go to the Bahamas on her next vacation. Although she herself did not have a job, she enjoyed reminding me that she did not have to work because her husband made so much money. Finally, some of my other friends asked me, "WHY do you put up with that?"Oddly, I had never asked myself this question before. I guess I was so used to her acting that way - we had known each other since grade school -
that I didn't realize how obnoxious she really was, although I knew that I avoided her phone calls and dreaded her visits.I finally decided that if a friendship causes more pain than enjoyment, it simply isn't worth the trouble. My friend was shocked and horrified when I "dumped" her, which made me feel guilty and cruel. Still, I made the right decision. The world is full of so many people, there are so many people out there who would be happy to be your friend, there's no reason to put up with an acquaintance who makes you miserable.
Hope this helps-
Gracie
poster:Gracie2
thread:8681
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010731/msgs/8733.html