I know for a fact that its not always easy to be a good friend. Sometimes friends ask things of me at inconvenient times, or ask for something that will strain other relationships, and I just find myself in a position were I cant help them out. But I try my best when they are really close to me give knowing they will reciprocate if I ever need something.
Sometimes I find myself constantly on the “giving” side of the friendship. Or on the “needy” side, perhaps...lol. I’ve been on both, and when I find myself always asking the same friend for help I make certain they know I realize what’s happening. I apologize for being so needy, and always find a way to make it up to them. I try to restore “balance” as soon as I can. When I end up on the “giving” side so often that it becomes an issue in other parts of my life I will try to find out what deeper problem my friend might have that’s creating this ongoing neediness. Sometimes you can help, sometimes you can’t.
It’s when you can’t help that the true nature of the “friendship” comes out. Over the years I have had “friends” who needed help often, I gave and gave until I had nothing left to give. And rather than being grateful for all the help I had given, they became angry at me because I had nothing left to give.The most annoying part of all these crap is that when you take the “tough love” approach, they hate you. Eventually, if they are a real friend, things will get better. If they are not a real friend, or so selfish that they won’t admit to being wrong, they are gone forever.
