I touched on this in my other threads, but the attacks are hitting me right now, so I think a new thread is in order.

A friend of mine is in dire financial straits. She has asked me for help. I am not rich, but I have more than she does at this point. I have helped several times, and it stresses me out. I am never wanting for money, but the money I share is money I could be saving for my future.

At the same time, I think that if I do not help, she will be in trouble or forced to do something truly distasteful to raise the needed funds. And no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot NOT help. I know why she needs the money and it is legitimate.

Disclosure: I am attracted to this friend. She knows and that option is off the table. I think I am ok with that. She is a good person and she provides emotional support whenever I need it. That is often invaluable.

But at the same time I MUST help, I also get the thoughts that I am "only helping to get into her pants."

It's an OCD double whammy.