My friend and I met at university in the 1970s and have stayed in touch initially spasmodically. Her marriage broke down in the early 80s and since then she has lived alone but taken more and more responsibility for her demanding mother who eventually died earlier this year. Over the last few years she has become increasingly dependent on me as her closest friend though we live a long way apart. She has a very short fuse and is not much fun to be with but I have visited her fairly regularly and phone her every couple of weeks. She has now lost all interest in herself, has put on a lot of weight and is becoming increasingly isolated but will not seek counselling or medical help. I have a very busy and happy life (still working full time) which I realize she must thirst for, but I really want to help her notwithstanding her tetchiness. Anyone got any ideas how I can help her to move on and up?
