Dear Dawn-Dyanna,
I am sorry for complaining, but my best friend takes her moods out on me when she’s depressed. She’s reaping the consequences of some bad decisions she made in the past and is feeling very upset about that. I am happy to listen, but I don’t like it when she takes her unhappy feelings out on me.
Can you help?
Thank you,
Debbie S.
- Debbie S. asked 3 years ago
- last edited 3 years ago
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Dear Jane,
Thank you so much for your question. Doesn’t it just suck when besties go into battle?
Good pals as you are, you don’t deserve to be the recipient of anyone’s bad temper. (Nobody does). It’s dear of you to offer a ‘listening ear’, but not in your job description as a friend to endure disrespectful behavior.
There are times when hanging out together may not be in your best interest. This is one of them. Nor, we might add, does it serve your friend to allow her to treat you this way.
Since you implied that this is a repeating behavior, please consider creating a boundary for yourself when/if it happens again. Taking some time away from the relationship brings the respect to yourself that your friend is unable to offer right now.
A ‘time out’ devoted to self-care also works wonders for your self-confidence and well-being – coming back together again with your dear friend when she is ready to treat you with the kindness you deserve.
Sending love to you,
Dawn-Dyanna
- Dawn-Dyanna Dhyanna answered 3 years ago
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