[cylon]

Hey folks. A while back I was having a conversation with Steve in one of his threads and I mentioned that I had a friend that was not good for me, a very negative influence in my life. Steve encouraged me to break off the friendship based on me explaining how uncomfortable I was feeling around this person.

Well, I did. And I feel much freer, it's just been a positive experience. Now, I have called this friend on the phone a few times in the last few months not to completely burn bridges, and I ended up visiting him one time. And when I was hanging out with him, the reasons I decided to stop were even more strong in my mind. That was about six weeks ago. In my mind I'm thinking "I shouldn't be here, this is a bad place for me to be."

Well, he has called me and is sounding all sad and I can tell it's bothering him that I am not talking to him, he left me a voicemail. Thing is I don't want to call this guy back. I feel horrible about it, he is not a bad person but he just isn't a positive influence in my life and has actively tried to make me give up on certain dreams and goals because he probably didn't want to lose me to a more successful lifestyle. Certain positive things I did, he made fun of like I was foolish for trying new things.

I'm feeling very guilty but I just can't bring myself to call this guy back, we've been friends for like 15 years but I don't know how to pursue this. I still haven't returned his call, which was on Friday night. I feel some sort of obligation to further the friendship, but most of me is saying put it in the past. Any insight is appreciated.

(I figured this was the best place for this, and not the social and relationships threads, as this is about my own feelings of guilt, I already know the friendship probably shouldn't continue, but mods please move it if you think it's in the wrong place. )