I am hoping someone has any experience with this.
My friend is currently dealing with her family being in a warzone. She lives in my country and has been here for several years. She's been going through a lot of other personal situations on top of it.
In the past few months I have tried to show my support by doing little things such as groceries, hanging out, helping with chores, bringing flowers etc. However, the war has worsened over the past few weeks.
On top of that I have been incredibly busy the past few weeks. I am launching a second business and trying to find balance between my work, being there for myself, my social life, my relationship etc. I haven't been able to physically see her much lately. I thought I was trying to show presence by regularly checking up with her via text, but recently we had a conversation about her not seeing me enough. And how she wants me to be more involved.
I understand this from her side but it's difficult for me to navigate. On my side I am already giving what I can give right now. I feel incredibly guilty I am not able to see her more, because I know ideally she'd have company every week from me.
Even writing this post feels weird, because she is going through so many horrible things and here I am worrying about my side.
But I can tell she's upset with me and my head is worrying about it everyday, taking up energy and space.
It doesn't help that our friendship has had its ups and downs. In the past, before the war, years ago, we already had a dynamic where I felt she would lean alot on me. She had high expectations of me most of the time. I didn't have very good boundaries back then so I always said yes to the point where I felt low sometimes. Overtime we had good conversations about it and grew together, but now I can tell she's angry again. Not just at me, but the whole world, because she feels like everyone is letting her down.
She has cut out a lot of people in the past year, which puts alot of responsibility on the few friends left. I want to give her what she needs, but also want to prevent that old dynamic from happening, but it feels like such a delicate situation due to all the significant changes in her life.
Is there anyone who has been through this? I am not able to see her every week with my schedule, but I also completely understand her mentality that she doesn't care much for schedules right now. It's about who shows up.
Any advice, perspective or tips are very welcome. Thank you.