The technical term for being with a friend is DISTRACTION. It takes your mind off what you are feeling depressed about (even if it is a sub-conscious thinking) The human mind can not think about more than one thing at a time. Just like a computer can't actually process more than one thing at any instant in time. It requires time sharing between processes & if one process is pushed off bu another it isn't processed until there is enough time. That is why distractions (usually doing something or focusing on something intently) doesn't give your mind enough time to focus on what is depressing thus providing some relief. (Learned this in my intense DBT group) It helps me immensly

I have a friend very much like that. I am busy with my farm. I also don't hear from her when she is busy but wow, when her son's don't call & she is NOT busy with other things, she will call & complain because I haven't taken time to call & neither has anyone else & she winders if anyone likes her any more.

If I do have time & contact her....if she is busy I don't hear from her.. It doesn't bother me but wow it sure bothers her ehen someone doesn't respond to her.

She is a good friend & I just learned this is the way she is....no problem as I have my own life requirements I am dealing with & we always enjoy the time we do spend together. Some things just are the way they are in my own experience.