Sometimes, you don't have a choice to avoid someone completely because she is a family member, a co-worker, or a neighbor, with mutual long-time friends.

There is a toxic person in my life whom I distanced myself from because of pushing and crossing of boundaries; taking advantage by lying, exaggeration, or excessive asking of favors; emotional manipulation and mind games.

She is in a real difficult situation right now (I wish I didn't have to know but have no choice being in the same circle) and I feel bad for her. But I know helping her means placing myself in an unhealthy and relationally-unsafe situation again.

Even re-opening the door to her just to help her one time, is a tremedous risk for me.

How do I overcome the guilt of not stepping in to help but choosing to protect myself?