Dear Abby: One-sided friendship with narcissist is wearing me down
A long-term friendship has become one-sided as the friend's mental health struggles, narcissistic traits and drinking problem leave the writer emotionally drained.
DEAR ABBY: I have a friend I have known for a very long time. We bonded 10 years ago over common interests and mutual friends. Over the years, they have suffered from anxiety, depression and OCD. In addition, they are also narcissistic, but it had never been a problem before.
I have spent many a day and night on the phone with them for hours, letting them talk out their problems. I have always been supportive and empathetic, offering help or suggestions. Abby, they can’t hold down a job! They invariably quit for some reason or another, and they have a drinking problem as well.