You can only change your behavior.

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,

I pride myself on being someone that my friends, loved ones, and employees can rely on to vent about what’s going on in their lives but recently, it’s gotten to the point that my own health, mental and physical, has taken a hit from being their personal therapist. What’s a polite way to say I value our relationship but I can’t keep being your free therapist?

—Free Therapist No More

VarunaTT

charlotte989875

“That sounds like a lot you’re going through- have you ever thought about talking to a professional about this? That’s was out of my league”

It can be hard to break a pattern, especially if you’ve engaged in being the friend group therapist for a while, but it’s okay to say you need a break from playing that role!