Friendships that once left you energised now leave you tired, irritated, or emotionally drained. You might keep taking on their problems, listening to the same patterns, and feel stuck in the role of “supporter” instead of equal friend. This is a sign you’ve outgrown the dynamic, not just a bad week.
To handle it, set boundaries. You can limit how often you’re available or how deeply you engage with their issues. You can say, “I care about you, but I need to protect my energy.” It’s okay to step back from a friendship that repeatedly drains more than it gives.