I think your comparison is completely valid. I think we can learn from situations just like this as the the person we want to strive to be ourselves. The comparison gives us a look at 2 different types of personalities. Those that are only concerned with themselves & those who are truely concerned about the people around them.

I know when I look at others & see something so wonderful, I realize that is the way I want to be too.....then I can look at myself & see what I want to make sure I am like.

You aren't really compairing....you are just noticing different personalities & noticing what you don't like about the self absorbed person & what you like about the genuine person who cares about others. It is the personalities....not the illnesses & personalities are developed throughout a lifetime, but can be changed.

This comparison might be just a good thing because sometimes it allows us to look into our own relationships & see what we are doing & how we are interacting with others. A time to reflect also.

Sometimes we have to drop a relationship when it becomes draining on us.....sometimes things are what they are....& a benifit of the doubt doesn't help anything.

Enjoy the wonderful friendship you have with the kind person,
Debbie