Do you have any?

My bessie mate is so laid back, we can do anything together and nothing is a hassle. We can go out around town together and not argue about which pubs we're going to. We are our own person, with different tastes, and that's cool.

THEN, there's the high maintenance friend, the one that if you don't call for a week you have to make immense apologies, the one that makes you feel guilty if you don't want to do something that they do. The one that doesn't understand you're busy and don't have time to listen to all their woes. The one that buys you elaborate gifts, and expects the same back. The one that expects you to be there 24/7 and if you're not, you're a bad person. The one that just doesn't like you having any other friends.

Discuss.

Mostly laid back, but there are a couple that I just can't stand because they're attention freaks. They used to call me every day and just talk about nothing. The coversations lasted less than a minute becuse I can't stand when people talk just to talk. I got to the point where I stopped answering her calls and calling her back. She finally took the hint and stopped calling me.

I can relate to that. I have a friend who calls up in the middle of a TV show we both watch, just to talk about the TV... for like half an hour. She says things like 'did you see that?' I'm watching the programme, what do you fucking think?

Haha. I've had friends do that before. Mainly because we always used to watch the shows together and it seemed as though we were still watching it together if we were on the phone.

Then you have those friends that are emotionally fragile. My friend Chris was going through a bad break up with his girlfriend and he used to get drunk and pissed off and emotional and used to take his gun out and play around with it. I've had to take it away from him a few times. I stopped talking to him because it was becoming an everyday thing and it just became annoying. Probably not the best thing to do for him, but he eventually got over her. So that's good.

I don't mind emotionally dependant friends.. but when it becomes an attention seeking expedition it kinda fucks me off. We all need a shoulder to cry on now and again, and imo - a true friendship is give and take. I know that if I'm feeling shite I can go to my mate and she'll make it better, but I'd do the same for her. It's when the balance is upset that a problem occurs.

For instance, one of my friends really isn't happy unless there is some drama, so if there isn't one, she'll create one. If the attention isn't focussed on her, she sulks. I can't be doing with that.

Nah, I've had relationships similar to that. But all my friends, for the most part, are on the same level. We have our own lives and sometimes work and other stuff gets in the way.

I drove away most of my friends,since Im kinda like a hermit.The one friend I still have from my old highschool days is lukewarm. I dont know what to call her. She used to like me,I didint quite feel the same way.So now,when I talk to her, shes always rubbing her current boyfriend in my face when I honestly do not care,and trying to make me feel guilty about not being with her all the time.it seems whenever im around her,she wants me to love her,or be jealous/guilty.so,thats what friends are all about here.thats why i will have no part in it.

I think the fact that she liked you, but you weren't all that bothered is the reason she pushed her boyfriend in your face... She's got a major crush on you.

You're lucky you all get along so well. Friendship politics suck!

I can deal with emotional people, but not for long periods of time. After a while it becomes old and I just get tired of dealing with all the drama. I don't know if he was doing it for the attention or because he was really feeling down, but life moves on, and so did he. So it's all good.

I can't stand anyone like that, if they were interested with me in any capacity. I'm not someone who gets frightened of clossness, that's fine. But I hate clingy, needy people. I need some space and I feel like they'll suck me dry. So no, I don't have any friends like that.

ohh boy. I've had friends who were like that, who didnt stay my friends for long.

Mostly.

Yeah, he was a friend from high school who I didn't really keep in touch with. Kind of person who you see a few times a year. I don't have many friends with issues and I'm glad, because I'm sure if it was a constant thing they wouldn't be a friend for long.

You see, I meet lots of desperate mums. They hate their husbands, their kids, and for some reason they want to tell me all about it.
If a friend is going though a hard time that's fine, but when someone latches onto you because of their hard time, they can sod off.
Just a couple of days ago I ran about the supermarket with my head down as I nearly ran into one.
She emails, she calls ALL THE TIME, and it's hard to tell someone going through a painful divorce to fuck off, but I'm getting close.

What I really hate is jealous friends, ones that want to be included in everything you do, get upset when they see you out with someone else.

Good job I keep moving, that way I can have a cull, and end up with a penpal or two, and happily never deal with the rest again.

I prefer aquainances to friends, less work.....

They refer to people like that as psychic vampires for a reason . . .

I have one great friend who I have known for years. She is great to hang out with one on one. She will listen to anything I have to say and doesn't judge. I always want to include her in stuff, but no one else can stand her. She always tries to be the center of attention and makes up lies and puts other people down when she is in a group. People always get angry with me whenever I bring her anywhere. It is so awkward. I don't want to ditch her but I don't want to lose all of my other friends because of her.

That's a tricky one. I guess you have to weigh up what's more important to you. I know it's hard to go out with a group of mates and not invite said person, but maybe that's something you'll have to consider doing to keep the balance happy?

Have you know her longer than the other group of friends have known her?