I like the way you described the users, 'extract attention.' For years, I thought there was something wrong with me because every 3 years or so I would suddenly dislike all of my friends. I would see them all as self-absorbed bores or incessant talkers or users.

I always thought the problem was my perception, but I finally realized it was the relationships I cultivated.

I am doing a better job on the friend front, but I still have a long way to go. I feel like I am at the point now where I can observe these things I am doing and dislike them, but not yet completely ready to act on it. It's so absurd - I struggle to say no when someone I don't really like asks me to go out for breakfast. I'm doing it, though, most of the time