Ever have a one way Friendship??
By rick615
@rick615 (413)
United States
January 8, 2007 1:09pm CST
I'm talking about the kind where one person is much more invested than the other. I have this one guy who is always calling me, asking me to do things. I go out on rare occasion and really don't mind his company; but he is always talking about how close we are and - we really aren't. At least I don't think so.
It's not causing me any problems, just a kinda wierd perception on his part as far as I am concerned. Do I need to burst his bubble or just let it ride. I asked my wife for advice and she didn't have any good thoughts.
7 people like this
36 responses
@AskAlly (3625)
• Canada
8 Jan 07
I know what you are talking about. I had a "friend" like that as well. At first I kind of thought whatever. But she always ended up finding out where I was or what I was doing.
Then she would glue herself to me. I started to get creeped out after awhile.
I would get calls from other friends asking me what was up. She would tell them how close we were....blah blah
I started to remind me of that movie "Single White Female"
This chick was starting to dress like me, started going to my hairdresser.
I asked my husband if I was a freak magnet or something. We sort of came to the conclusion that it was an inferiority complex and she did not have enough esteem to have a personality of her own.
Maybe you have a quality that this guy admires and wishes he had himself.
I finally had to burst her bubble as you say. I would just keep an eye on this guy and see where this is all headed. You say he does not give you any trouble so maybe just let it ride for awhile, or just quit answering his calls
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Do you have caller ID? When you see his number come up, don't answer the call. I do not like the in your face approach to letting people down. If he calls, and you do answer, tell him that you and your wife are busy and you want to spend time with her. If you feel comfortable inviting him along, call him up. Tell him you'll give him a call when you aren't busy.
2 people like this
@Shelley9451 (254)
• China
9 Jan 07
I agree with you .sometimes,this people is very boring.sometimes,when i dont want to along with her,i will tell her i have no time.
1 person likes this
@rick615 (413)
• United States
9 Jan 07
It's one way to handle this, but I really tend to be more direct. I always thought it was a non-issue before, because the bottom line is I think the guy is OK.
I don't have caller ID, nor do I have an answering machine to screen calls. (Again, that direct stuff). I just can't decide if this is really an issue for me or not; of course, maybe I've already answered that by asking the question here....
1 person likes this
@bonnielass (484)
• United States
9 Jan 07
If its not an issue leave it. Hey maybe one day you will be close. Its flattering that he feels that comfortable with you. I had many like this and it adds to your life if you think about it.
@Junig1 (300)
• Barbados
9 Jan 07
I know what you mean, sometimes you encounter those people, like someone who told me I was her best friend and I was left wondering how did that happened - ironically she is one of my better friends today.
It's kind of difficult because he probably sees you as the kind of person he can relate to and feel comfortable around and the mere fact that you will accommodate him at times shows that good quality. However, if you don't feel comfortable with his perception then ask yourself - does it really matter what his perception is? You said it doesn't cause you any problem. Is he someone you think you would want to have as a good friend? I know people who like that can be overbearing and too 'chubby' when you had rather not, so maybe you should state your views in a 'friendly' way, this is probably crappy advice but, good luck :-)
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
9 Jan 07
I had a friendship like this once, where I was the one who thought we were close. We had been friends for maybe 12 years and I considered her to be one of ,my best friends, but she didn´t feel the same way. Ilearned thatwhen I really needed support when some things went wrong in my life and she just wasn´t there. it was heartbreaking to learn but I do belive that honesty is what will take you the furthest. Just tell him the truth in a nice way and give him a chanse to look for other friends that appreciate him the same way as he appreciates you!
There is no reason why you can not hang out once in a while, but it is not fair to let him belive that u are as close as anyone can be!
2 people like this
@kou7hik (243)
• India
9 Jan 07
this is a delicate thing.
I value friendship of even the most worthless person as something.. And as far as i know, i give as much as i take in any frienship.
Though, I dont like petty talks abt "how close we are" .. i think it is better that you try to figure out why he likes you... and if possible like him!
1 person likes this
@addict (172)
• India
8 Jan 07
hey rick it happnes wid everyone...he must be really impressed from u....but mind one thing that u cant hurt anyones feeling and i m sure that it is not ur intention but dont do that unintentionally too....u wanna tell him that he is not really close to u bcoz u care for him and u dont want him to be in any illusion.....itts a good thinking....why dont u make him realize every now and than....this way he wont get hurt.
2 people like this
@cliffcliff (1350)
• United States
9 Jan 07
yeah i agree, no need to come out and say anything.. jsut your actions can show, also if you hang out with him now and then he cant be all that bad. look for the good qualities in him, but make clear you dont always have time for him since you are married.
1 person likes this
@chifeo4y (271)
• Nigeria
9 Jan 07
Am really a victim of this one way friendship.My friends tend to exploit me to their own advantage all in the name of friendship and because of my loving attitude.Well, i just overlook it because i know they`ll leave alone on their own volition one day.
1 person likes this
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
9 Jan 07
If you don't mind his company, then what is the problem? I mean, sure it may seem odd that he is going on about how close he thinks you are, but what is wrong with being a friend? I mean, friends are a good thing to have.
I certainly wouldn't "burst his bubble" because what would be the point of that? Do you not want to hang around with him or have his company? What is the harm in letting him believe it?
1 person likes this
@rick615 (413)
• United States
9 Jan 07
Well, I didn't think there was any harm for the longest time. Like I said, I only go out with him on rare occasions. He's a friendly enough sort. I guess I got a bit wierded out when he started the best friend talk - just seemed a bit odd.
So my original thought was like yours; no big deal, he's still a friend. Then I started thinking about who I would go see the Rockies play baseball with, who I'd talk about personal stuff with, who I would confide in about insecurities; the answer is not him. So I thought before I got a couple of good seats at the ballpark this spring that maybe I ought to clue him in so as not to hurt his feelings. Then I thought I let it go too long already...... then I'd thought I'd ask for ideas here.
Great responses!!
1 person likes this
@mfrancq (1806)
• United States
9 Jan 07
I think I tend to do this, which is why I may not have many friends. For me, I tend to be "overly nice". I love helping people, and talking to them about what is going on in their lives. I get to close way to fast and I know it "weirds" them out. I don't know why I do...I just enjoy their company..plus it helps me escape my life. Also, I can't stand it when someone doesn't like me, so I try to show them that I am a "good person" which just makses the situation worse. It is something I have tried working on but it just tends to be my personality.
1 person likes this
@subha12 (18441)
• India
9 Jan 07
yaa, i have this type of friendship. I have one friend. we met when i was in a different city. we were really close friends. But I have noticed taht after I moved out of that city, its me who is mainly keeping the contacts. He even does not bother to answer my mails, SMS-es etc. sometimes when I call even he has made some excuses and cut off the call. But i think its very painful also. whom you think as a great friend turns out like this.
1 person likes this
@yashsanghvi (140)
• India
9 Jan 07
its time you burst the bubble! the sooner the better because what he thinks is not true and letting someone living in pretence despite of knowing the truth is wrong. you have to understand this will hurt him so go easy but make sure you get your point across!
@droik123 (74)
• India
9 Jan 07
Oh yeah.... It genenrally happpens when you stop giving times for you friends. When I used to work I realised tht I am not giving enought time to my friends. My friends used to Keep calling me whenever they used to go to places. But if you really dont like your friends Ignore him.. But I would like to give you a suggestion. You do not get friends like yours anymore no matter how irritating he could be.
1 person likes this
@kefkaix (33)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Its just those kind of obsessive people that I dislike, though you may be just paranoid. Though I know a few people like that, kind of gets upsetting after a while, though its hard to be rude right to someone's face, so get someone else to do it for you :D
1 person likes this
@bam001 (940)
• United States
8 Jan 07
I had a 5 year one way friendship. I had to do all the work, but the other person got to control when and where I could talk to him and see him. If it wasn't convenient for him, I was pushed aside...but I was expected to be waiting when he decided that he wanted to talk or see me.
1 person likes this
@Devinarun (387)
• United States
9 Jan 07
well seem slik eyou are confused,but maybe he really wants you to be his friend n he can see that u are not ionterested maybe that is why he is taking all such topics with you.
1 person likes this
@sogeeahouse123 (451)
• Nigeria
9 Jan 07
Still keep him as a friend you may not know when you will need him.
@mgr1987 (689)
• India
8 Jan 07
you don't have to burst.it'll stop automatically if you don't meet his needs.there a majority of people like this,expecting everything from the other ones without themselves doing anything.it is not friendship.its called selfishness.
@Persia (151)
• United States
9 Jan 07
you should let him know. honesty always comes first. u dont mean to hurt him but if u dont like something speak up and let him know. You always gonna have your wife by your side if he happens to wanna be your friend anymore. oh well, you have a life to live.
1 person likes this
@swapniel (39)
• India
8 Jan 07
well pal..u seem to ve real problem ..n the best way out it is
to make things clear in a bit polite manner widout hurtin his feelings b4 the bubble bursts..n also takin hom for a ride wont work out coz that ride wld get painful to u later on..hope 4 the best...
1 person likes this