I couldn't agree more with everyone and I can relate. I have a friend and we have been friends for almost 50 years now. It ends up we are both bipolar and I have worked, took my meds, tried to stay healthy, gone to the psych hospital when I got out of control and had many hours of psychotherapy. All she has done is stayed at home, not worked, given excuses for poor health choices and whenever I called her she would cry and cry and cry and go on about how bad her life was and finally I told her you need to go to the hospital and get your meds right because whenever I talk to you it is always the same thing. Well she straightened up real quick and when we talk there is not all of that crying and poor me any more. Yes I feel a distance between us but you know what that is her problem. You can't expect to dump on people over and over and never do anything to work on yourself. I am not perfect but at least I am trying. I do not expect anyone to excuse my behavior because of my illness. I guess growing up in a house where my Dad had mental issues made me know what a burden it is on others and I don't want to be any more burden than is possible. To tell you the truth if my friend were not more like a family member I probably wouldn't even bother to try to maintain a friendship. I called her today as a matter of fact and she was okay but didn't go on this poor me tirade like she used to. You sound like a really nice person and your friend may just be taking advbantage of your good nature. She may just need dose of the truth!