Quote:
Originally Posted by Henry17
LKJ
No one said loyalty was a bad thing but where was the loyalty when this started? A friend steps in and tries to do something ten years ago. The result is the friend either improves or the conflict ends the friendship. Trying to do something now is a complete waste of effort.
OP isn't really friends with this guy. If he was he has had over a decade to step in and confront the guy. Seeing him triggered memories of when they were friends and so he has this rush to help him. It will pass in a few days.
I'll grant you that someone should have stepped in a good while ago. Totally agree.
With that said, from the description this guy has spiraled further and further out of control into a world of delusion, and possibly even mental illness. Naturally, with each year that he gets older, the more pathetic (and thus worse) his situation is.
If someone has a drinking problem, and a friend should have stepped in five years ago, I don't think that friend should ever just throw up their hands and say, "Well, I should have done something, but my window closed...he's too far gone now." What this guy's doing is different than a drinking problem in some obvious ways, but in either case he's following a pattern of behavior that will likely lead his life to depression and failure. As such, I think the analogy somewhat works.
Anyway, it's not as if there's any downside to this guy trying to help his old high school friend out. I agree that he'll probably fail, but what is he risking?