I have OCD. It can be exhausting at times, and yet, I couldn't function without the everyday rituals. My T says that they serve me, otherwise why would I do them? He says that I actually need to have these rituals now because I am going though a lot right now and they do serve me. I grew up with abuse all around me. I didn't have controll over those things because I was a child. As an adult I thrive on my OCD habits because to me it means I am in controll. Especially now when I am trying to come to terms with my past (which was out of controll) I need the habits to keep me feeling grounded and that I am in controll.

I know that some of my habits are hard for my friends to understand. I try to explain it, but am not comfortable with sharing why I am like this. I wouldn't necessarily call your friends energy "negative", but just challanging to be around. Freewill spoke very well about how she defines her and her friends needs in their relationship. Maybe it would help if you could ask your friend how you could help her rather than have her feel like she is always negative to be around. Maybe try to learn how her OCD habits are serving her, and why? I wish you luck in your friendship. I can tell you are a special friend to her!

Cmara