I’m so fortunate to have two very dear friends, though they are not friends with each other. Lately, both have had a lot of discord but inevitably stay in the status quo while making increasingly questionable choices. I have hit empathy fatigue and just really can’t keep discussing the same things over and over. I’m also trying not to ghost them while I recharge with more rewarding activities and people. Should I just say, “Hey, I need a two-month break from your problems”? Seems selfish, because they live with their problems every day. But withdrawing without explanation seems selfish, too. — Not Feeling Supportive

Not Feeling Supportive:  Your friends are using you for emotional therapy. Take a break for a while. Though if this seems impossible start the conversation with “I’m drained right now, and guessing you are, too. What do you think about giving each other X minutes to unload — after which we agree to talk about something else?” Could be the start of something (a lot more) interesting or it could be the sign you need to walk away for your own mental health.