What Should I Do About This Friendship?

[Scarlett]

I would love your thoughts on this! I have had a friend since university – 36 years- who only ever talks about his past break ups. he goes on and on and on and on. He rarely asks me any questions, and if he does, within seconds, we are back to talking about his exes. I don't see him that often as he lives abroad, but since he has split up with his latest girlfriend, (four month relationship, she was half his age) and has been burdening me with how bad he feels, mentioning suicide, and asking me to tell him he is amazing. I have problems of my own and have reached saturation point of listening to him!! I know he will never change because he has always been like this, but I simply can't deal with it anymore. I sent him a message explaining this, mentioning my problems with constant pain, hormonal stuff, fight and flight issues, but of course he just took it personally, and now wants a phone call... what would you do in this situation?!

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Scarlett. I'd have nothing more to do with him - and I wouldn't even waste any of my time and energy on thinking about him!

[bednobs]

but you wrote "i would love your thoughts on this" so i gave them to you :)