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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To withdraw from exhausting friend

71 replies

dittogrey · 09/01/2025 07:02

First some background so it's not a drip feed.

I have known this person for 15 years now. We are both neurodivergent, which I realise comes with hurdles because existing in a neurotypical world is exhausting in itself, but she is driving me up the wall. Both of us are in our 40s. We have previously been flatmates.

Flatmate situation first. She is a hoarder which I cannot cope with at all. Fortunately I didn't have to endure that for long because she moved out, but I am someone who longs for a minimal space with no clutter. I blew up at her once because she had a room in the flat that was full of old papers she had printed from the internet in Tesco bags, and it was so old that the Tesco bags had started to break down into this weird flaky stuff. I gave her a time period to clear it out, but she didn't so I went in and cleared it one weekend when she was away with a now ex boyfriend. It was stuff like web pages about rabbits and other small animals. She got upset with me but I stood my ground and she had to accept it. She won't get help for this.

She has a binge eating disorder that she also refuses to get help for. I have also battled an ED, so I know it's hard work but you can beat them. She is morbidly obese and her parents have been trying to encourage her to do something about it, but it falls on deaf ears. She complains about back ache all the time and other stuff which are a result of her size. I used to be a size 22, but I got my shit together and I'm now maintain a size 14 with a balanced diet. All she does is moan and I'm sick of hearing it to be honest. She refuses to help herself, and despite trying to be supportive and recognising the depression aspect of things in her, she does nothing to address it.

She has medical anxiety, which she has woken me up with at several times of night freaking out about ridiculous things, and I now refuse to pander to it. I lost my shit at her once badly, I know it wasn't great, but I basically told her that waking me up because she's convinced herself she's got cancer at 3am and I'm the only person who could talk her down, was too much and I now have her on mute for every avenue of communication. She goes on YouTube and watches stuff that sets her off and then loses her mind, and it was pissing me off so I told her off. If she gets a slight sniffle she will blow it out of all proportion and I don't have time for it. She is medicated but doesn't always take it, and then complains when she feels crap.

She can barely cook and makes no effort to learn despite me showing her how to do things when we previously lived together. Her parents do her washing, and her mum does her cleaning. Rather than encouraging her to do these things for herself, they just do it because if they don't, it won't get done and she ends up in squalor. Her hoarding, the fact that she doesn't clean up after herself are some of the reason I told her she had to move out because I couldn't handle it anymore. She would eat an entire multi pack of crisps and then leave the packets everywhere. Same with bars of chocolate etc.

When she has come to visit in the past for birthdays etc, she basically sits on her arse and leaves me to do absolutely everything, knowing full well that I have my own health issues that I work hard to cope with. I take care of people who visit but a gesture like helping me with dishes or cleaning up clutter that she's made would be helpful, but no. She does nothing. The last time she visited, she blocked my toilet and I had to deal with it. She also has shocking personal hygiene which I used to think was due to her size and her finding it difficult to shower and bathe, but she says she's always struggled with it before she ballooned.

The main issue for me is that she just won't do anything to help herself, and she will only see one doctor even when others are available.

Dealing with her is like trying to cope with a whiny toddler, except she's a grown woman who just expects people to cater to her because "life's too hard" and she can't do for herself. Her ex boyfriend dumped her because of how she is, and I'm not surprised.

There's a lot of other stuff and this is already too long, but I am worn out dealing with her crap when I've got my own to deal with. I had a major mental break myself last year after my mum became ill and I thought she was going to die.

I have tried to be compassionate. Being ND is far from easy and it's a spectrum we are both on, but I honestly think she takes the piss at times and I'm done with it. My sympathy has run out and all I feel now is resentment. Whenever I see a message from her now I sigh and think FFS what now?!

Am I being unreasonable to withdraw? Nothing ever changes and I'm fed up of being an avenue for her constant moaning, and her unwillingness to do anything for herself. I have my own shit to deal with.

Thank you for your time. 🌺

OP posts:
Fillyfrog · 09/01/2025 07:04

You just sound like you can't stand her. Why are you even friends

Fillyfrog · 09/01/2025 07:05

Your post is really nasty so she'd be better off if you withdraw from her tbh.

BoiledOrRoastPotatoes · 09/01/2025 07:10

You don’t sound like a very nice friend. Sorry.

It is obvious she struggles with a lot of things but you seem to deal with it in unkind ways and seem to be gloating that you have improved yourself whereas she hasn’t. She probably looks up to you as you have managed to change and she wants to do the same but struggles with how.

Maybe she would be better off if you did withdraw.

LostittoBostik · 09/01/2025 07:14

From what you describe her issues aren't simply that she's ND trying to cope with the world but that she's severely mentally unwell.

Have you encouraged her to get professional help? Has anyone else in her life? She won't be able to just turn around and change without it

Pancakeflipper · 09/01/2025 07:15

I get you are frustrated with your 'friend" but it comes across as you being very judgemental about them, referring back to yourself.

They sound to have alot of physical and emotional issues and struggling.

And you sound that you've got alot of stuff going on. It almost feels like competitive issues, reading your post - they love got this going on, I've got this going on...

Can you speak to her and say you've stuff going in and going to be less in contact?

It sounds like your exhausted from being supportive and whatever they say just winds up further.

CheeseTime · 09/01/2025 07:16

It does all sound a bit hopeless. Are you short of friends so have put up with this one?
She does have support so I wouldn’t feel guilty. Have you said to her that her behaviour is difficult for you to manage?
You’re not responsible for her. Just tell her you’ve got your own issues to deal with and don’t have the mental energy for her at the moment.

dittogrey · 09/01/2025 07:17

LostittoBostik · 09/01/2025 07:14

From what you describe her issues aren't simply that she's ND trying to cope with the world but that she's severely mentally unwell.

Have you encouraged her to get professional help? Has anyone else in her life? She won't be able to just turn around and change without it

I have suggested this frequently. I have begged in fact. Her parents have done the same but she won't. If someone won't take steps to get help what can you really do?

OP posts:
dittogrey · 09/01/2025 07:20

Thanks for the responses so far, I have to go to work now but I will come back and read/respond soon and promise not to disappear as I know it's frowned upon on Mumsnet.

OP posts:
InkHeart2024 · 09/01/2025 07:22

You don't like her at all, so of course you shouldn't keep spending time with her. She does sound wearing, and it's ok not to like people, but it's best to wrap up a friendship before it turns into this level of hostility.

olympicsrock · 09/01/2025 07:26

I don’t think you sound nasty. You are objectively telling us how many problems she has , and why you can’t keep banging your head against a brick wall trying to support her when you have your own issues to manage.
Yes I think it’s reasonable to withdraw as you don’t want to support her any more.

KitschenCupboards · 09/01/2025 07:29

I understand. I have a friend exactly the same. Hoarder, house full of dog shit and piss. Boxes stacked ceiling high, BMI of about 50, all she says is she hurts and feels sick. Doesn't leave the house anymore. It's sad and extremely frustrating.

I don't think people understand the mental toll of being nice and trying to help someone like this for YEARS and them making no effort to help themselves but expect you to listen to them moan about their life 24/7.

Agix · 09/01/2025 07:30

She doesn't sound well at all. A mentally healthy person who doesn't get someone to do their chores and washing for them may have a tantrum if they're spoiled, but would figure out how to do it as they want clean clothes and home. If she would seriously just leave stuff to rot if it wasn't done for her, she is not well.

I'd definitely say cut her off if you're not coping with how she is, but you've been unfair in this post. "she's a size 22 and I'm a size 14!"... Seriously? "we are both ND and she is like this but I'm not! ".

Maybe it's your ND that makes it more difficult for you to grasp that she is a different person, with different experiences and... shit, life IS probably harder for her, because she's dealing with more internally than you are. The proof is in the pudding. You can cope. She can't. She has it much harder.

As for her not getting help.. Yes, severe mental health issues make it harder for someone to reach out for and accept help. These are illnesses.

As said, cut her off. It's best for your wellbeing seemingly, and best for her to not have someone in her life she thinks is a friend but secretly judges and resents her. It's probably making things worse for her if she thinks she can rely on you still. You need to remove yourself.

Mystery2345 · 09/01/2025 07:31

She sounds like a total drain on you - no need to stay friends.

gettingolderbutcooler · 09/01/2025 07:42

There isn't any indication of friendship here from either side. Sounds like you have both just continued the flatmate relationship when it should have just finished when she moved out.

No loss for either of you.

Mummyoflittledragon · 09/01/2025 07:44

olympicsrock · 09/01/2025 07:26

I don’t think you sound nasty. You are objectively telling us how many problems she has , and why you can’t keep banging your head against a brick wall trying to support her when you have your own issues to manage.
Yes I think it’s reasonable to withdraw as you don’t want to support her any more.

Agreed. You sound at the end of your tether and risk not being able to look after your needs. It is reasonable to withdraw and put yourself first, definitely.

Ladyj84 · 09/01/2025 07:47

I'm glad your not my friend because your not a friend. For a person with clear mental health problems you trying to make her change to your weight,your ideas etc it comes across controlling tbh. I have 3 very close friends with severe mental health problems and when it's bad it's bad moans groans,eating, paranoia etc but guess what when there on a good spell there amazing. I would never moan about them or try to dictate what they should or shouldn't change because a lot of it they can not control during that very bad time. If I'm tired out my phone goes on mute and I will send one supportive message that night. Because they've been there for me in my times of family problems and I'm more than happy to be there for there bad mental health days. That's what friends do love each other unconditionally

Sunsetsandcocktails · 09/01/2025 07:48

I agree with @olympicsrock you don’t sound nasty, just at the end of your tether. You always get the same response on threads like this ‘you sound like you don’t like her’ but it’s perfectly reasonable to be fed up with someone you like/love when they simply won’t help themselves.

Withdraw from the friendship and if you have to explain just tell the truth that you don’t have capacity to deal with someone who isn’t willing to help themself.

sweetpickle2 · 09/01/2025 07:51

YABU for saying you can beat EDs with hard work- lots of can’t.

YANBU for withdrawing from this friendship, you clearly don’t like her much.

SnoopysHoose · 09/01/2025 07:53

@Ladyj84
That's what friends do love each other unconditionally
no that's not friendship, friendship is a choice, nobody should tolerate crappy behaviour or behaviour that upsets/stresses them out.

JollyGreenSleeves · 09/01/2025 07:53

Ladyj84 · 09/01/2025 07:47

I'm glad your not my friend because your not a friend. For a person with clear mental health problems you trying to make her change to your weight,your ideas etc it comes across controlling tbh. I have 3 very close friends with severe mental health problems and when it's bad it's bad moans groans,eating, paranoia etc but guess what when there on a good spell there amazing. I would never moan about them or try to dictate what they should or shouldn't change because a lot of it they can not control during that very bad time. If I'm tired out my phone goes on mute and I will send one supportive message that night. Because they've been there for me in my times of family problems and I'm more than happy to be there for there bad mental health days. That's what friends do love each other unconditionally

Did you have them living with you though? I can totally understand the op’s frustration. Can’t you?

I think it’s ok to take a big step back and protect your own mental health. Also, it’s ok to vent.

I don’t think I love any of my friends unconditionally- just being honest.
My children, of course.

Hernameisdeborah · 09/01/2025 07:57

I completely disagree with the posts saying you sound nasty and you are not being unreasonable.

From what you describe, I feel sorry for your friend and it sounds as if you and her family have done, and are doing, everything possible to support her. But if she won't help herself, all that energy and resources going into trying to get her to change, for her own wellbeing, will go to waste.

I've tried to be the on-call agony aunt/ rescuer myself and I totally understand it just takes over your life, it's awful. In the end, it does neither party any favours as it prevents the other person getting the actual help they need, and in the situations I was in, I just ended up exhausted, miserable and resentful.

You have your own life to live and she has hers. You certainly have the right to lead a life where you're not being woken up because she's seen a worrying video, or having to deal with a mess you find difficult to handle.

I don't want to sound mean about your friend but you do need to withdraw from the situation and she needs to get herself professional help. You can't do it all for her.

Indicateyourintentions · 09/01/2025 07:57

Sounds like your own life takes up all of your bandwidth and there isn’t extra to support this person with so many needs.
You could fade out or you could tell her kindly that you need some space to focus on your own needs.
She might get help or she might not but it’s not your responsibility.

Teanbiscuits33 · 09/01/2025 07:59

Why are you bothering to post this? You don’t like her, that is clear, you have gone on a real character assassination here. Was it cathartic to get it all out?

Whilst I can understand some of your frustration, I think she’s probably picking up on the fact you resent her so much and that’s probably making her worse.

She can only change what she wants to, but I would speak to her, tactfully, and frame it not about her getting help, but how it’s affecting you.

Say things like ‘I know you struggle, but it affects me when you don’t look after yourself and I don’t think it’s helping you. Is there anything I can do to help you? I feel you might improve if you did XYZ’.

’I know you get overwhelmed easily, and I’m sure you don’t mean to cause stress, but when you leave food packets all over my house, I get really upset. Could you try and help clear up a bit?’

This way you are still being respectful, communicating clearly and it can’t be construed as rude. Does she have any other friends? You don’t say if you go out together much? Maybe start, see if you can cheer her up a bit and take a more casual approach to the friendship rather than letting it stress you out and cause resentment. Suggest swimming or the gym together, shopping trips etc. I think it would make for a better relationship.

Don’t let her come round to your house at all if you don’t want, then she can’t leave litter everywhere or sit on her arse! Just meet up socially away from your home.

Ultimately though, her happiness is not your responsibility and if you don’t want to bother with her anymore or she’s not up for anything to improve it then you need to distance, you sound at the end of your tether, and if you resent her that much, it’s for the best. Something tells me your manner towards her won’t be helping, though!

ACatNamedRobin · 09/01/2025 08:06

Sunsetsandcocktails · 09/01/2025 07:48

I agree with @olympicsrock you don’t sound nasty, just at the end of your tether. You always get the same response on threads like this ‘you sound like you don’t like her’ but it’s perfectly reasonable to be fed up with someone you like/love when they simply won’t help themselves.

Withdraw from the friendship and if you have to explain just tell the truth that you don’t have capacity to deal with someone who isn’t willing to help themself.

Definitely this OP.
Just be less and less available to her.
Stop meeting her at your place, stop taking her calls etc.
I wouldn't have a big blow up/explanation with her, just stop being available for her.

rightoguvnor · 09/01/2025 08:07

I think you need to remind yourself that neurodiversity comes in many many different forms, and people can't always learn to deal with things at the same rate and in the same way that another person can. At some point in the last you felt you had enough similarities to form a friendship with this person. Then, as you tell us, you discovered you could manage your own issues and change your own life. She's not there yet.

And it's perfectly acceptable for you to decide that continuing the friendship might have detrimental effects on yourself.
So I think, quietly move on. But move on with some empathy. She's clearly still struggling, and you aren't the person to help.