I have a friend who ALWAYS complains about everything. This person was always a complainer, but it used to be not as bad. I understand she has a lot going on, and I've been patient and trying to be helpful. That being said, this friend talks a mile a minute about everything wrong in their life non-stop. I realize she probably doesn't have anyone who will listen, but it's becoming a one-way friendship.

I don't get why she keeps talking to me constantly, when I can't change anything, and it doesn't seem I can't make her any happier since she's always miserable. When I go over there, I can't help wondering if I'm being taken advantage of. Maybe she's not and just needs a friend....I don't know. Now, she hardly ever asks how I'm doing or inquires about my own life. Everything seems to be "so much worse" in her life, compared to everyone else's (so she makes it seem). I'm not insensitive by any means, but there's a limit to everyone's tolerance.

How should I handle someone with these behaviors? I do value the friendship, but these patterns seem to be affecting the way I feel.