Have you ever found yourself feeling thoroughly miserable after a particular so called friend has been around you? They somehow make out they're a friend, but each time they're with you they seem to have an uncanny ability to reduce you, to destroy little by little your buoyancy.

How did you deal with them?

They are not friends si i ignore them and in the end they tend to drift away. One has many aouaintances but very few real friends.I dont allow these people to become a vexation to my spirit. Love Alexis x

Some relationships are harder to get out of than others. Maybe your children are friends and they come round for a chat when collecting them, or they're neighbours. They're never direct in their pin-pricking, but over time you dread their arrival and feel rubbish when they've gone.

How are you Alexis? Thank you for joining in. xxx

I know what you mean Adele - but I agree with Antonia - I call them fair-weather friends and there are plenty like that I've had in France - in the UK too but less there - So called "friends" who wanna know you when you're on the up - But then drop you like a stone whenever you're in need or feeling vulnerable - I get the idea though, Adele, that you're getting at something else - though I'm not quite sure what - interesting thread though - yet another one you've started - great - hugs - xxxxx

To be honest, I'm not really getting at anyone, here or elsewhere.

I saw the word 'Frenemies' years ago, in a book, and liked it, so thought I'd use it to create a topic.

:-D

Some of my friends have that effect occsionally when they are low or grumpy or wound up.. . They can drain me of energy in some way. But Im talking about real friends people who I who I have formed a proper bond with. But because they are valued friends I take that on board as if it was my turn to provide some support by listening to some B S they have to get out of their system is doing my bit for the time they need me. With real friends thats what you do but if youre talking aquaintences then you shoulnt be entertaining any of it
This post was edited by Gini Mitchell at December 2, 2012 3:42 AM GMT

I don't have friends like that (not that I recall anyway) but I certainly have family like that. It used to drive me mad (still does sometimes) but then I realised that it reflects more on them than me. I’m not a psychologist but I would guess it’s because they are usually feeling low or a inferior to myself (no ego here lol). So I usually smile politely, bite my lip and swear at them in my mind.
If I am feeling particularly evil I’ll ask them if they are feeling well as they don’t’ look so good, or whether they have put on weight (usually more supplely that that – i.e. Have you stopped going to the gym?). That tends to throw them off their track and train of thought so I can divert them onto more positive discourse.

Friends, have some great one,s, suppose i have some of the other, like i care, we all know the saying, love and live, anyone who cares to arrgue, f off, lifes too short, xxxxxx

Adele, never feel rubbish, they should, hehe life is funny, we are made to feel wrong, sorry it dont work for me, rude words heading their way. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Playing them at their own game, Sarah. I like it.

:-D
x