i have found that there are steps to gaining self confidence and self esteem. there is no need to wonder about your so-called "friend". he isn't one. he is no one's friend, not even his own.

so what do you do about him ? well,, at first the only skills i had to deal were to cut someone off, stop being around them, not answer their calls, etc. that is effective but primitive, and like you said, you alienate all the people who are able to tolerate his behavior.

a better skill is to realize as it's happening, that he is not talking to you, but to himself, about himself, and if anything, he's to be pitied. i mean, really, that is so sad that he would respond to you like that~! he's the cripple. be a bigger person, and let him know you are not rising to the bait.

i hope you find some way to side-step this guys words and attitude. you certainly seem to be the more sensitive and accepting person.

best wishes~
Gus