Thanks, Bill. I have studied the person-centered listening/counseling approach actually, and usually I use this approach with friends, although not always....sometimes I can't help myself but to be a little more directive. I think it was hard in this instance to pass on what I was trying to convey through text. If it were over the phone, it would have been much easier to use this approach, and I wonder if I'd be in this position with her. I have tried to use the person-centered method through text though, so I guess I need to fine-tune my approach in writing. Here's the thing though, I asked if she felt I went wrong somewhere, and I feel shut out.

When she first asked for advice, I did ask her what she felt her options were for dealing with the situation and gave a little bit of feedback afterwards. Maybe I could have done without the feedback though.....sometimes it's tricky. I do feel I walk on eggshells with this friend at times, so I'm trying to be mindful of what I can do, but still can't help but feel taken for granted as a friend at times, and I can't help but start feeling like I'm walking on eggshells.