D - Sometimes we need to distance ourselves from those so-called friends, who are really offering nothing in return for our care and love. Before they suck the life right out of us.
So true. Blood sucking leeches really. Like the useful story in the bible about the tree that would not produce fruit. The master says "get rid of it and plant another". The Gardener says, "give me sometime to see if I can get it going!" The gardener is like a good friend, partner or spouse who keeps working at it well past someone who is disinterested, or dispassionate would have given up.
If it isn't growing it is dead or dying. Before a toxic relationship turns you toxic and bitter, get rid of it. Not in the absolute sense every time, but in the sense of what is healthy for your own well being. It is nice if you do it before you thoroughly hate the person, so at least thereafter you can still be cordial, polite or personable whatever suits the situation.
Life is too short.
As dubs we were taught to think in terms of what it looked like to others and especially outsiders if for example our marriages broke up. So many live such a miserable lie because of that propaganda. When they do face their last straw, there is so much hatred and resentment built up that that no civility is possible afterward. Children ultimately suffer if this happens in a marriage that falls apart.
I was always so impressed when I saw "worldly" people break up and then keep in contact civilly, even staying friends. Although I am sure it is possible, I never saw that ever inside the dubs!
Frank75