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Our friends for over two decades, who has faced and conquered numerous challenges, which I admire. But, she has been repeatedly caught off guard by others. Her husband ended their marriage, which came as a massive blow. Many of her friends drifted away at that point, because they seemed focused solely on her husband. It shocked her deeply. She put in more effort to be my friend, probably realised better the essence of true friendship.

The Pattern In Relationships

Throughout this period, many close to her vanished and she isn't knowing the cause. The company she worked for suddenly changed toward her, although she was an excellent employee, she departed without knowing what had changed.

Current Dynamics

Lately, we've both stepped back from work so we're spending time together, but I am finding the part I play in our friendship feels one-sided. I introduce subjects only for her to redirect the talk toward her own topics. Regarding political views, she holds firm beliefs. I try to recommend factchecking or other angles.

She has been organizing a vacation abroad I have traveled to repeatedly even called home for some time. I attempted to share personal experiences, but this was not welcomed. She essentially only wanted my agreement with her decisions. I've just ended 30 days in that place and she wants to reconnect, however, I hesitate.

Weighing the Options

I don't want to be a friend who cuts and runs without a word, however, I feel she will ever grasp the consequences of her behaviour on my confidence. At this point, I am in distancing myself. What should I do?

Ways Forward

One option is to walk away, however, that approach is not often a smooth outcome we hope for. Yet having a direct talk aiming for working things out demands strength and openness for each of you.

Professional advice indicates using a useful conflict resolution tool:

"Step one requires explaining what typically happens during your discussions. This needs to be as factual as possible like what a recording device would replay. Next is to express how this makes you feel. There should be no disagreement on this point. Emotions are valid, naturally. Step three is to question ways you together can shift the interaction between you."

Keep in mind she too has a point of view, meaning you must to remain ready to hear that. One effective method involves stating to the other person:

"Please share your thoughts while I will remain silent for 30 minutes."

This can be impactful in fostering understanding.

Closing Considerations

She may dismiss all you say, since certain individuals cling to a deep-seated story: they maintain a story regarding their experiences they're unable to release as it feels essential depends upon it and it's all they trust. This is difficult when there seems no clear path with these people, only cul-de-sacs. Yet she could start out like this then consider about what you've said. And even if you don't achieve a resolution, it will give you peace that you've been open and direct.