Know When to Walk Away

Have you ever had someone in your life that just needed help all the time? It seemed they were always going from one crisis to another.

One week they didn't have enough money and you loaned them some to get by and then they were on the outs with their boyfriend or girlfriend and you thoughtfully listened to their woes. When their job was unfair and they had to quit, you were a good friend and you made meals and even offered a place to stay with you if needed.

Soon, you find you are at this person's beck and call and they want and need your undivided attention, soon your thoughtful listening turns into resentment and you start dreading every single phone call or email because you know there will be a crisis that you will be either expected to solve or drop what you're doing and listen. This is when you need to step back and figure out what you're getting out of this relationship and decide if it is time to walk away.

Learning when to walk away is a finely learned art that many people haven't had the chance to perfect. When you feel you are being taken advantage of, it is time to consider walking away. Sometimes, when there is no one to catch them, some people will finally stand on their own two feet and shock of shocks, they indeed can do some things on their own.

You won't be hurting anyone by bowing out gracefully. If you feel this person may turn anything you say into an unnecessary confrontation that will generate more drama, simply become busy. No matter what the perceived crisis is, simply have work to do or some other duty. If they show up knocking at your door - do not answer it.

It is hard for many people to learn to stand on their own two feet but once they learn they will learn they create most of their own problems by their actions and learn to be more responsible.
 posted by Friends of Leah