I've experienced this twice now. A friend went into a tirade against me when I said something she didn't like. I was staying at her place and had to be polite for the day, but decided to not stay at her place again. She did apologize at the end of my stay, and I knew she was going through hard times. Next time we saw each other she was all nice.

Another friend started some very uncomfortable topics when I was in the car with her, going long-distance. And in a sort of unfriendly way too. I know she was tired and cranky and going through possibly a difficult time too, but still.She didn't apologize as she said she was doing me a favour (?) and that I mustn't let things affect me so much.
I decided to not drive long-distance with her again!

I wish I could develop thicker skin, but at the same time I think it was rude of them for being as they were. I listened to them a lot and was supportive when they were going through hard times. I value politeness and supportive behaviour, and try to be polite and supportive even when it's not so easy. They say they want/value honest and direct approach, I'm uncomfortable with confrontations.

I don't know if there's a polite way of saying that I wish they spoke differently and I think they overstepped my boundaries.
Or do I just distance myself from them and that's it? But they are lovely charismatic people that I admire, otherwise.

How to assertively deal with one's friends?

PS I don't have that many friends and especially since I'd been diagnosed with schizophrenia I thought to better be accepting or they might not wish to be my friends anymore! But if they were being stressful, one wonders if it's worth it? (One also has a diagnosis and one doesn't.)