Of course you know those types of people, or "friends".  Y'know, the ones that never call or come by unless they want or "need" something.  Whether it's a ride, a babysitter, a "Mr. Fix It", or of course......money.  No matter what, you always seem to be the very first person on the list they call on.

Now I don't mind being the savior of a sticky situation and being blessed with the warm feeling that I know I've helped someone in need, especially when I know they've honestly tried to help themselves until they got confused or stuck.  At least the effort was there.  And most of those respectable individuals are probably genuine friends who would do the same for me.  No biggie.  I'm talking about the kind of people that rarely contact you at all until they run into a problem, drop what they're doing, lose all trace of rational thought and common sense and come running, reaching for the proverbial rope like a cat dangling from a string of yarn.  Moochers, bloodsuckers.  Yeah, those types.  Many times I've wanted to just say "leave me the hell alone!" or "go bug someone else for a change!"  But no, being the good-hearted person I am I usually suck it up and put myself in their shoes and imagine being caught up and lost, not knowing what to do.  Sucker?  Yep, you guessed it.

Cruel?  Thoughtless?  I think not.  There comes a time when you have to put the hammer down (pardon the pun) and come to terms with the fact that these people are taking advantage of you and using you for your knowledge or wealth - or both.  At the risk of becoming a dickhead or a careless piece of shit (in the eyes that don't matter, of course) you have to remember that respect is earned in this world, not given.  So why do you still put everything important to you on hold and go running to take care of leechy users that pretend to care and pose as your friend(s)?  Does it give you satisfaction that your "can do" attitude was the only way they'd find a solution?  Do you pop a fucking hard-on knowing that they couldn't have done it without you?  Pffft!  Whatever...

Then, there's the inevitable - they want some money.  They have just enough to make the monthly grind except for that water bill.  Or they just need enough to get by until the next payday (welfare or whatever).  Won't you please help?  And that's usually when you draw the line and come up with that "well I really don't have it right now" excuse or the "got too many bills of my own this month" outlet and flee the situation, knowing that most likely you'll either not get the money back for weeks, months, or not at all.  I mean these people seemingly can't walk, tie their shoe, or wipe their own ass without some kind of assistance so you sure as hell ain't gonna be the fool and trust them with your hard-earned cash are you?  No way, no how!