by Sandra Douglas

Created on: March 04, 2008

When deciding to strike up a friendship with someone new, it's impossible to know what hidden demons they may possess. We all have issues, so it should be no surprise that our friends have issues as well.

If you find yourself in friendships with people who have destructive behaviors, you may want to ask yourself if this person is someone to befriend in the first place. Most of us can't find enough hours in the day. How then, do we find time to spend on a friend that requires more time and energy than reading War and Peace?

The answer is that if you are a true friend, you won't break off the friendship because of a few unresolved problems, but you will have to deal with the issues. Allowing destructive behaviors to continue is not healthy for you or your friend, and will eventually destroy your friendship. To nurture the friendship into something enduring and supportive, do a favor for both of you and learn to deal with the issues.

Here are six types of personality issues that are especially problematic in a friendship and how to deal with them.

The Jealous Friend
These are the friends who never get what they want, and what they want is what you have. They are jealous of your boyfriends, girlfriends, your hair, your clothes, your car, and your apartment. Receiving compliments is great; it's another thing to have a person covet your belongings. It's awkward and uncomfortable.

If you find yourself in a constant state of feeling sorry for your needy friend, then this is exactly where they want you. If you hide your new outfit because you don't want to loan it to them, it's time to take action.

First of all, don't let others make you feel guilty for what you have. Try to remember that your friend's jealousy is actually a form of insecurity. Nothing they have will ever compare to what everyone else has. Help them feel more thankful and appreciative by pointing out the good things in their lives. Gratitude is a gift that grows the more we use it. This is a life lesson you can help you friend to learn. Help your friends to value what they have and they won't be going after what you have.

The Over-sensitive Friend
Some people get their feelings hurt at the slightest provocation, or even at a perceived lack of attention. If you comment that someone looks good, they take it to mean you think they look hideous. They are full of hurt and resentment as no one ever pays them enough attention, helps them, or talks to them enough to validate their worth.

This type of friend needs constant

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