Imagine having a friend who always complains.

If you were usually the supportive friend who was willing to listen, would you be willing to listen at any time of day or night even when you’re dealing with your own struggles, or would you eventually tell your friend enough is enough?

In this story, one man is in this exact situation, and he isn’t sure he made the right decision.

Was he wrong to prioritize himself for once? Keep reading for all the details.

AITA for telling my friend I’m too tired to be “everybody’s emotional support” when I’m struggling myself?

So I (23M) have been going through a rough time lately. Money issues, job stuff, life just beating me up a little.

I’ve been trying to stay positive, but honestly I’m exhausted.

One of my closest friends keeps calling and texting me nonstop about every problem they have. I’m talking every day, multiple times a day. Relationship drama, work drama, “I’m bored,” “I’m lonely”

And I always try to be there, because I’m usually the “strong friend”

It might’ve been better not to answer the phone.

The other night they called me at like 1am crying about something their coworker said, and I was literally half-sleep, stressed, and trying to figure out how I’m even paying bills.

I finally told him “I love you but I’m drained. I can’t carry everybody’s stuff right now. I’m barely holding myself together”

He got quiet, said “Wow… okay,” and hung up.

Now they’re telling mutual friends that I “abandoned them” and “switched up”

He is wondering if he messed up.

I wasn’t rude, I wasn’t yelling I was just honest for once.

Now I’m wondering if I should’ve just shut up and kept listening, but at the same time… who supports the strong friend when they need help?

So AITA for telling my friend I can’t emotionally support them right now while I’m struggling myself?

He’s right to prioritize himself for once. There’s nothing wrong with being honest. Maybe his friend needs a therapist.

Let’s see how Reddit reacted to this story.

Here’s a vote for therapy.

Another person can relate to his situation.

Here’s some reassurance not to feel guilty.

His friend isn’t a very good friend.

This is a good question.

The only thing he did wrong was answering the phone.

If you liked this post, you might want to read this story about a teacher who taught the school’s administration a lesson after they made a sick kid take a final exam.