Dear Eric: I recently set boundaries with a friend who would vent to me about another friend of theirs, with whom I’m only barely acquainted.

I asked them to stop processing this other friendship of theirs with me; it felt toxic. I told them I felt sad to spend the little time we have together talking about someone, when we could be talking with and supporting each other.

My friend responded by cutting me off. They said that they felt not being able to process their other friendship with me felt oppressive. As far as I know, they don’t burden others over this toxic friendship, as they have burdened our friendship.

I’ve been feeling sad and upset. I feel judged for setting a boundary. I feel relieved that I no longer need to hear about my friend’s toxic friendship. I am feeling shocked

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