A friend has become too dependent on me.

United States
June 16, 2016 2:39pm CST
I worked with a young girl who was very lonely. I took her under my wing and now I feel like it has gone too far. I will admit, I partly did it because she is the same age as my son and he was away at college. Now that he is home, I devote all my time to my family and she can't accept that. She is always texting me and telling me she misses me and that I'm more of a mom to her than her own mother. I never wanted that. I wanted to help her in a time of need, which I can't go into details, but I don't want to become her mom. And she gets mad at me if I do things, like forgive someone we were both mad at. But God told me to forgive, so I do. She just can't understand it. What should I do?
6 people like this
7 responses
Jo Ann
@akalinus (43371)
• United States
16 Jun 16
What she needs is other people in her life that mean something. Encourage her to go to church or whatever, go to other places, to meet people, to join groups online. If she develops an active life and has a few friends, and a romantic interest she will cool off in her attachment to you.
3 people like this
Jeff Unruh
@mypointsju (583)
• Westland, Michigan
16 Jun 16
That's good advice.
2 people like this
Sharon38
@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
16 Jun 16
This is the best advice in the circumstance
2 people like this
Jennifer
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
16 Jun 16
That is a tough situation. Did you talk with her and tell her that you have a family that has to come first?
1 person likes this
joy
@MGjhaud (23240)
• Philippines
17 Jun 16
Make her understand as to who you can be to her and point out limitations. Where is her mom?
springs
@springs (923)
• India
16 Jun 16
Some people will always like that. Helping them will make us helpless. That is not correct. Make sure that you correct her immediately other wise u will be hopeless.
solxee
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
17 Jun 16
Pray?
Ruby Hawk
@RubyHawk (99405)
• Atlanta, Georgia
16 Jun 16
I think I would continue the friendship, but I wouldn't answer the phone, and I would explain to her that I was her good friend but not her mother. You will probably need to back away a little from the relationship..
Genipher
@Genipher (5405)
• United States
16 Jun 16
Perhaps talk to a person who is privy to the situation? Without more details, it's hard for the faceless masses to give usable advice. What does your husband say about the situation?