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Our friends with a woman, who has overcome numerous challenges, which I admire. Yet, she's repeatedly caught off guard in relationships. Her spouse walked away, and it was an unexpected event. A lot of her social circle vanished at that point, as they were focused solely on her husband. This surprised her deeply. She put in more effort toward our bond, probably realised better what friendship was.

Ongoing Issues In Relationships

Throughout this period, many of her friends vanished and she isn't knowing the cause. Her last employer became hostile, although she had been highly competent, her exit happened unaware of the reason for the change.

Present Situation

In recent times, both of us left the workforce and are seeing time together, yet I realize my position between us feels one-sided. I start topics of conversation and she changes them to what interests her. In terms of politics, she holds unyielding views. My effort is to suggest double-checking information and different perspectives.

She is arranging a holiday to a nation I've visited many times and lived in for some time. I attempted to offer personal experiences, but this was unappreciated. She purely only wanted my agreement with her decisions. I recently come back from 30 days in that country and she wants to meet, but I don't.

Evaluating the Situation

I hesitate to be a friend that walks away without a word, however, I feel she'll truly grasp the effect of her behaviour on my confidence. At this point, I am in avoidance mode. What's the best step?

Potential Solutions

One option is to walk away, but it is seldom the easy answer we hope for. However, addressing it with a view to resolution requires bravery and readiness for each of you.

Experts suggest trying a useful conflict resolution tool:

"Initially requires explaining the usual pattern when you talk. This needs to be based on facts like what a recording device would replay. Next is to express the way it leaves you feeling. There should be no argument about this. Emotions are your feelings, after all. The third step involves requesting how the two of you going to change the interaction in your relationship."

Remember that she also has her own side, meaning you must to stay open to hear that. A helpful technique is telling your friend:

"It's your turn to speak while I will listen without interrupting for half an hour."

It's remarkably successful in fostering better communication.

Final Thoughts

Your friend may dismiss your concerns, for those who hold onto a deep-seated story: they maintain a narrative of their life they cannot release because their very survival relies on it being the only thing they've known. It's tough as there is no clear path here, just dead ends. Yet she could start out defensively then consider about what you've said. If you don't achieve a fix, it provides satisfaction that you've been honest with her.