Foul-Weather Friends

Flee or Fix?

Katz says that foul-weather friends can be very helpful in the short-term. "They are often able to provide amazing support to a friend who is going through a difficult time, even when the person's other friends find it too depressing to spend time with her."

However, if you are treating your friend with compassion and respect, and she still seems to only thrive when your life is a mess, then it may be time to call it quits. "If your friend reacts with anger no matter what you say or do, you may want to cut your losses and terminate the friendship. She may simply not be ready for a mutually caring relationship," says Katz.

For Lily, the decision to end the friendship was ultimately made by Jill, who decided Lily was trying to sabotage her at work. In the end, that was fine with Lily: "At least this way she doesn't have to see how happy I am in my relationship and my new career."