[Craig T]

I to have chronic insomnia (ruminating thought induced). I'm sorry you suffer through that as well. Try the book "All I want is a Good Night's Sleep", by Sonia Ancoli-Israel. It's pretty basic practice, but it helps when I go back to the "good sleep habits".

There are "givers" and "takers" in this world. Bob is obviously a taker. His requesting to get together now can only be an opportunity for him and a scarifies for you. Some times you just have to let people go.

I wrote this short essay as a sociology assignment in college. See if it applies to you and Bob...

Friendship, by Craig T....

The Givers and the Takers

The Giver

A giver is generous with his assets and is likely to be borderline irresponsible with his finances. A giver is an individual who is innately sensitive to the pleasure or discomfort of others. A giver enjoys pleasing others and seldom keeps score. Givers can’t say no to charity and often seek out or volunteer their time to the crusades of others. A giver will seek out those whom he might improve.

The Taker

A taker is an individual who instinctively protects his assets, with an innate acuity for the principals of gain verses loss. A taker always looks for the “best deal”, plays his taxes in the grey, and counts his wins. A taker may give to charity, but always to an organization with networking opportunity or potential for the win-win. The taker subconsciously seeks out those that improve his position in life.

Friendship

Givers and Givers

Givers can develop deep devoted friendships with other givers for obvious reasons. They will go out of their way for each other, make the drive, know they can count on each other, and constantly invest back into the friendship.

Takers and Takers

Takers often develop lifelong friendships with other takers. Takers give little to each other, but expect little in return. They can share in the pleasure of a “good deal”, or mutually respect each other for opportunities seized. They can hunt the world together in camaraderie.

Givers and Takers

Givers and Takers may remain friends for a period of time, but can never sustain long-term friendships. Givers attract takers. Givers are initially fulfilled by the exaggerated reaction of takers when the giver gives. The taker shows enthusiasm and friendship in return due to his enjoyment of that received. It is symbiotic in the beginning, but the giver will eventually run empty. Something will always come up in life that prohibits the giver from sustaining the level of energy put into the friendship with a taker. When the production of the giver and consumption of the taker becomes imbalanced the friendship will end.