Comments on: Am I Being a Friend or an A#$hole?

By: Hanabira

Hanabira — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:35:20 +0000

a friend is someone who is there for you no matter what. your role as a friend is to be supportive. its no use telling people how to live their lives because people can only learn through experiencing life for themselves. let friends make their mistakes but support them when they do- thats not to say you cant give warnings or opinions but do so lightly and without force so that they can hear your advice but thats all that it is.

By: Brandi

Brandi — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:04:15 +0000

I agree with Christine. Emphasize your care for your friend's feelings before telling them your thoughts. Sometimes, people don't want to believe that they were ever mistreated by a person – especially someone that they once thought very highly of. express concern without being too specific ("remember that time when…." situations).

unfortunately, not everyone can be blunt.

most importantly, be there in the end – whether the reunification ends in friendship or goes down in flames.

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:07:48 +0000

I have a rule whenever I am faced with situations like this. If I feel a friend of mine is going to make a decision that could be harmful, I say something along the lines of, 'I'm not sure if this is a very good decision, but it is YOUR decision to make. I will support you despite what happens. Just know that I feel that it could be very harmful to you and I want you to think carefully before making a decision, whatever that may be.'

This way you're still putting your thoughts out there, but still being supportive.