to want to end a friendship?

[Pang]

I have a friend that I have known for many years, who is incredibly kind but unreliable and very very very needy. I know she has a lot of issues (low self esteem etc), but I feel I have been supporting her emotionally for many years now. I feel I need a break. Her negativity is wearing me down. She phones me often - sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. I don't even speak to my family that often.

I don't want to be mean to her because she is a nice person. But I now feel dread every time the phone rings. How do I end this friendship or at least lessen our contact without hurting her? AIBU and selfish to withdraw from this relationship?

YANBU - some people drain you and after a substantial amount of time it becomes too much.

Just slowly withdraw contact, make yourself unavailable etc. Some people may think that heartless but having had some high maintenance friendships over the last few years I know exactly where you are comding from. In fact, I think your friend and mine are the same person, lol.

She sounds a bit of an emotional vampire to me. Have a whole day or so when you are unavailable. She'll find someone else to pester.

I know that sounds a bit harsh but if she's getting you down, I agree you need to step away a bit.