Is he really my friend?

United States
November 13, 2012 7:43pm CST
I have a friend that seems to love talking with me on the phone for long periods of time when I am going through a hard time. For example, if I am depressed, bored, or discouraged because I cannot find a job, my friend seems to have all kinds of suggestions and encouragement. However, it seems that when I announce that I found a job and it will pay good the friend becomes distant and may even skip calling for several days. Can anyone explain to me if this is a true friend who is very closely there when I need a friend the most? Or is this a person who becomes upset over my good fortune and becomes distant when I am no longer down and out?
2 people like this
16 responses
• Vietnam
14 Nov 12
I think he is a good friend. I think when you have a hard time, he talking with you because he want you to try to pass it. But when you have a good time, do you call for him? May be he has a hard time.
1 person likes this
@dilrajj57 (1757)
• Pakistan
14 Nov 12
yes you right that he is a good friend, as he always contact with then in hard time.
• United States
18 Nov 12
During the bad times is certainly the time that I need a friend the most. I suppose that missing conversations during the good times can be overlooked.
@surekharathi (14146)
• India
16 Nov 12
I want to give advise to everyone dont trust too much on friend because real friend is not exist in the world. If friend giving good suggestion then no problem accept it but dont trust too much. Distant is necessary dont make closeness.
• United States
18 Nov 12
I think you and my friend would make great friends. He really tells me the same thing. He says, 'play your cards close to the vest'. This means that he warns me not to be so trusting and so open because I could get hurt.
@atv818 (1980)
• United Arab Emirates
16 Nov 12
Hmmm... That is odd. I don't want to be negative on this but maybe you are right that he is not happy with your good tidings. If that were to happen to me, I'll just let that person be. There's no need to rock the boat. Just be grateful that he/she came to your life at the time a friend was needed the most.
• United States
18 Nov 12
I have had several friends that were friends for just a specific period in my life and we each moved on without hard feelings toward the other. Perhaps that is the case with this friend. We have known each other for almost 5 years and perhaps I am clinging to a friendship that may have reached the time to let go.
@sriroshan (2585)
• India
14 Nov 12
Don't worry and I suggest you to be cool and concentrate on your job rather think too much of your "That" friend. He may be thinking or feeling jealous that you have got good paying job because of his advice. But keep in mind you have got the job because you deserve it. I suggest you just try to call himm up and tell him that you have arranged the party specially for him only since he has given lots of advice to you. I am sure if he is your real friend then he will make a point to come and see you. Otherwise he will not. Try it out
• United States
18 Nov 12
Thank you. What a great idea to give my friend a party for helping me find a better job. That is what I will do.
@Aja103654 (5646)
• Philippines
14 Nov 12
I don't know, maybe your friends are satisfied that you are okay so you don't need to be comforted any more, to them your problem is solved. But if you really believe that they are jealous, then assess their actions. Jealousy between friends is okay I think as long as they get over it real soon. real friends will be happy for you. They stuck with you through hard times, give them some credit.
• United States
18 Nov 12
Yes, you are right. It only takes my friend a couple of days to begin speaking with me again. He doesn't seem to stay distant for really long periods of time, thankfully.
• United States
14 Nov 12
Hey there! from my point of view there are two reasons. first, probably the person is busy with work or else second, the person jealous of you maybe. Anyway, think positive. There is a lot of people out there who can be your friends but please bear in mind not all of them can be called as a friend through thick and thin.
• United States
18 Nov 12
Yes, my friend is busy with his job. I think that maybe I have taken too much time during the times that I am depressed and without work and he might have to take the time when he knows that I am doing okay, to catch up on his work.
• Philippines
14 Nov 12
Oh, that's weird. Your friend is there when you need a listener; however, when you don't have any problem any more and you wanna share your happiness, your friend becomes a stranger, skipping calls and can't be reached. Just wait for your friend to keep in touch with you. Maybe your friend is only busy and you're only misinterpreting it as being jealous of your good fortune or success.
• United States
18 Nov 12
Wow. I sure hope that is the case. I really like having the friend around and would hate to lose the friend just because I got a good job. Perhaps my friend is busy and I have been selfish in not realizing how devoted he is during the bad times spending that much time talking with me and encouraging me.
• United States
14 Nov 12
I do not know what to think. It is interesting that you noted this distinct change in his behavior between the times you are struggling and the times you are not. Maybe they are really negative and thrive on negative vibes rather than positive ones. Or is it possible that they feel like they want to help you like they are a real nurturer or something.. and so they do not know what to say when things are good?
• United States
18 Nov 12
You may be onto something. I do feel like the friend does nurture. Maybe there isn't such a need for nurturing during the good times and I just don't require the same level of positive conversation as other times.
@uchelink (200)
• Nigeria
14 Nov 12
I think your friend still cares for you,may be your friend has problem or has been busy... I think you call and ask why if your friend is not returning your call or drop a msg. Happy Mylotting
• United States
18 Nov 12
Thank you so much for responding. I know that my friend cares deeply because my friend is always there during the bad times. It is easy to be a friend to another during good times. It is more difficult to say and do the right thing when your friend is having a hard time.
@ayuzawa (436)
• Philippines
14 Nov 12
A true friend will always be a true friend dear despite the distance or whatever circumstances that would separate you. He must have his own reasons why he can't keep up with your communication. Don't worry, he still care about you. As long as you are in good terms, you too are cool.
• United States
18 Nov 12
Thank you for pointing out to me that he is a true friend. I just wish that we could talk all the time and not have too many breaks when we don't spend time with each other.
• United States
14 Nov 12
I would ask your friend why he/she does that. You give me advice and when something good happens you don't call or communicate. This reminds me of high school when my so called pals would help me deal with bullies. They're on my side one day, the next they're with the perpetrators laughing with them at me. I found this out when it was far too late. I was living in complete denial and did not want to prove my family right for what they've been telling me. When they needed me I was there, then I would need them and they're no where to be found. I'd ask if they want to hang out during the weekends at my house and they would have other plans. I want to go to concerts to see bands I listen to, they don't like the bands or group playing. In the end, I was reaching adult hood and by that time I just had enough. I cut them loose. Sorry for the rant. Just giving you my version of how I felt. Hope that helps.
• United States
18 Nov 12
Thank you for responsing. So sorry that my post brought you bad memories. I think that sometimes we need to move on from some friendships and we wait because it is painful.
• China
14 Nov 12
My comments is that: it depends. Maybe you should be more skillful in dealing the relationship. Some people might be truely happy for you, but some might be a little bit "jealous" if you have really high pay. That's common feelings. People tend to think: we are in different world if we are not same wealthy. You should consider things more comprehensively, consider more of her feelings. How about do something you both interest together once again? That might be good for your friendship.
• United States
18 Nov 12
I think that is the real reason, perhaps. I do make more than he when I work and I think it does bother him. I feel like that is the reason that he has to wait to talk to me so that he can deal with his feelings. We have a great time when we meet and swim together or have a meal. I guess that should be our focus.
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
14 Nov 12
Yes that's a friend indeed. Upset? maybe this friend just give you more time to adjust to your new job. Maybe this friend is busy also right now and since you are okay it's time for this friend to do his/her stuff. Ask your friend how's he/she is holding up.
• United States
18 Nov 12
Ah...maybe I was selfish to need my friend during the good and the bad times. You have offered me something to think about. I should do more for my friend during the good times so that my friend knows how much I appreciate my friend being there when times are hard.
@graysky (132)
• Philippines
14 Nov 12
he/she,might have a special feelings for you that he cant express thats why he gives you all the encouragement and upliftment u need when you are down but he distance himself when you are up because he is afraid of rejection or dont want anyone else to look down on him.he is your friend but he has special feelings for u i guess.
• United States
18 Nov 12
Wow. I absolutely never considered that outcome. We have been friends for such a long time that I would never suspect that he might have different feelings for me. I think he does have the personality that fears rejection. He is a little overweight and he may feel that he must always be nice or someome may say something mean to him. I never would because he is such a good friend and helps so much when I feel bad.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
14 Nov 12
Well, I think that you friend is happy with the good things that came your way. And her reason for not being that "visible" as a friend mighty be because she wants you to focus on your new job. She was there when you were down, why wouldn't she be happy if you have achieved something, right?
• United States
18 Nov 12
I'm sure you are right. It probably is harder to be a friend during the down times than during the good times. And I do need to focus on the new job, that's for sure.
@neelia27 (896)
• Philippines
14 Nov 12
why not ask your friend about his behavior.. maybe his in the situation where he just can`t tell you that`s why he`s being distant right now.. He`s there through your bad times maybe he has just a problem or his just busy right now..
• United States
14 Nov 12
Thanks neelia27. Perhaps it is just a coincidence that he seems to be distant or busy when I am not depressed or feeling insecure.