Friendship With Neighbor Is More One-Sided Than Ever
Dear Abby | March 2nd, 2026 | Letter 1 of 2
DEAR ABBY: I have always looked inside a person before casting judgment. It has been six years that I've been close friends with my neighbor Tim. I have always regarded him as a Kramer from Seinfeld. I have OCD. I am a clean freak. I work hard to support myself and my kids. Tim is on every government program. He's a hoarder. His dog is filthy, and Tim literally has to leave notes posted in his house to remind himself to wash his own hands. Tim is politically my opposite. He's narcissistic, and if you disagree with him, he gets crazy, raging with anger. I have remained friendly with him because I feel bad for him. Tim is always asking me to go out to dinner or an event, and I'm always turning him down. He doesn't have much money, so when he needs something, I help out. Lately, though, because I feel like he's taking me for granted, I have been quietly pushing him away. Tim has now become increasingly needy, both emotionally and financially. How can I end the friendship without sending him into a spiral? -- NEIGHBOR IN NEVADA.
DEAR NEIGHBOR: Friendship is supposed to be reciprocal. From your description of your relationship with Tim, it has been all take and no give. Because this relationship has become so lopsided, continue refusing his invitations, be less available when he wants to dump his troubles on you and quit giving him money.
- powered by google cloud