People who only care when they need you

We all have at least a couple of people in our lives who only show interest in us when they need something.

Sadly, these individuals might be people we were very close to earlier in our lives. Maybe it's someone you worked with at your last company, a friend you've known since early childhood, or even a sibling you used to do everything with.

Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves in a situation where we've made repeated attempts to get a hold of or hang out with the person in question, but they're always busy.

Our calls go straight to voicemail and may not be returned for weeks, if we're lucky. Our invitations to meet up are met with hesitation, as if we were pulling their teeth.

And it isn't as if we're reaching out because we necessarily need something. Maybe we just want to catch up over drinks or check out the new car they bought several months ago, but haven't yet invited us to see.

When you feel as though you're pushing the other person to act, it's never a good sign, as it shows that they can hardly be bothered to respond to you.

Is this how they show they care? Do they not care about the relationship anymore?

Well, they may suddenly decide to take an interest in it again once they need you for something -- whether it's marital advice, a ride to work, or help moving to a new home.

It doesn't get any more selfish than this!

I believe in giving people a chance to come around, but only for so long. Yes, people should help each other out, but if they only seem concerned with how they can benefit from having you around, they're just a user.

And to add insult to injury, in those rare instances where you may need them, they might leave you hanging -- even though you've been there for them numerous times.

If, after a string of favors you do for them, they seemingly fall of the map, it's time to take a hard look at the relationship and decide whether it's one worth keeping.

Whether you're trying to keep the relationship alive because the two of you go back many years or you genuinely care for them, there's no excuse for their giving you the cold shoulder except when they're in a tough spot.

You deserve better, and there are those who will want your company in good times and bad. It's those individuals we should gravitate towards.

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