Thanks so much for sharing this story, Darlene. You've really bared your soul here and been completely open about how this affected you. I can feel how deeply this situation has hurt you. I'm sorry your friendship turned out like this.

I've been in the same shoes and it never feels any better. But over the decades, I've seen it more quickly and disconnected myself sooner - which helps a lot.

These people don't really want to change, which is why they cut us out of their lives. They're too afraid to do it and it's easier to just walk away and go complain to other people who will give them money and time and support etc... and the pattern continues.

Thank you for choosing HHH for this piece, Darlene, and for your kind shout-out and mention of my "mistakes" piece. I'm pleased to see that you responded to it, but I'm so sorry you've had to go through this difficult situation.

Thanks, too, for addressing the little change I mentioned! I appreciate you being willing to do that. 💜