How do i set boundaries with a friend who only texts when they need something?

[BrandonRM]

I’m really struggling with how to handle a friend who only seems to reach out when they need something from me. It leaves me feeling used and unsure if I should say something or just quietly distance myself. I want to be supportive, but this one-sided dynamic is starting to hurt.

[James96]

I had this too. They only reached out when they needed a ride or a favor. I started noticing the pattern and it wore me down. I did tell them once that I felt used when every chat ended with a request and it got tense for a bit. Not sure it changed anything.

[Samuel.J]

I tried a small boundary move. I stopped jumping on the phone every time they messaged. I kept my replies a bit shorter and set a limit on favors. It was awkward at first but I slept better after a few days of not bending.

[Jerry_J]

I still feel conflicted. Sometimes I worry I am blaming them too much or that I am reading it wrong. Maybe they are in a rough patch and this is how they show it. It is hard to tell if the problem is them or me wanting more reciprocity than they can give.

[JerryWG]

Weird how a one sided thing can creep into everything. I started working on other friendships and picked up a hobby and suddenly I noticed the weight wasnt all on my shoulders. It doesnt fix the situation but it helps me feel less tethered to this pattern.

[Robert_T]

Do you think a single honest convo could shift the dynamic or is distance the kinder route?