But even buying groceries or giving supermarket vouchers is still enabling the problem because they're likely to keep seeing any money they have as available for spending on nails, cosmetics, clothes, takeaways etc because kind friend/parent/sibling will step in to take care of dull things like the gas bill or basic groceries.
Exactly what I was coming on to say!
I have a sister that's like this.
Parents constantly bail her out she's never had to take proper responsibility for finances or budgeting. She and kids (also a single mum like me) decked out in high end and even designer clothes, shoes, toiletries and make up, groceries "have" to be branded, she would never even consider shopping somewhere like Aldi, she "needs" "at least" one night out a week for "stress" reasons, she's the kind of person that at Christmas there's a HUGE pile of gifts under the tree for her kids that she posts on sm - which she hasn't paid for but will be labelled "love mum" parents will have "lent" her the money cos she was "broke" but she has never paid a penny back, has the money to go on loads of nights out this time of year though with a new outfit inc shoes each time. Who she makes friends with is dependent on what they can do for her - free childcare (which mum also gives her a LOT of), lifts, work discounts for the shops they work at etc
I learned a loooong time ago that her pleading poverty was utter nonsense!
My mum worries she'll literally end up on the streets when she's gone, but she'll just find another mug to sub her and/or she'll finally set a budget and stick to it she's perfectly capable.
She always has a sob story to justify things but it basically comes down to she thinks she's entitled to a certain lifestyle which she's never earned (she can't hold down jobs or relationships either)
This is one of MANY reasons why I am nc with her. She's a con artist pure and simple.
Sounds like friend is similar - I'd bet good money the friend to whom she sent flowers has ALSO been subbing her, was starting to get wise and this is cf friends way of reeling them back in!
Lesson learned don't give her any more money. Shoulder/hand hold fine but nothing else.
As said even giving her groceries/vouchers simply frees up her finances to spend on fripperies. She needs to get her priorities straight, grow the fuck up and manage her own shit!