I have a friend like that! I keep telling myself that 'this will be the last time,' but I find myself continuing to make plans with her --- and then dreading the thought of seeing her. I wish I knew how to fix the one-sided talking problem.

Requests for favors are much easier for me to deal with. I ignore all hints. When asked directly, I just say 'No.' If they push, I keep it vague. 'Sorry, I can't.' 'No, that doesn't work for me.'

Be careful using excuses like 'I don't have enough gas.' In my experience, they offer to pay and never do. It's better to have some sort of general car problem that leaves you not wanting to drive your car unless you absolutely have to

For people who try to 'trick' me into doing a favor (by getting you to agree to see them and then springing their request for a ride), I just cancel the whole event via email or text a day or two later. I am so bad at dealing with this stuff verbally.

Just curious -- was your relationship ever balanced? When you first met, was there more give and take? Or was she always a taker?