We’ve all got that friend.  The person who no matter what the situation will always find a way to turn it around to be about them instead of you. The symptoms manifest themselves differently, but the common denominator is self-absorption.  Sadly, family members are also guilty. We also all have our days, when we’re a less than perfect friend ourselves. Recognize any of these folks? 1. The Whiner. There’s always a problem, and it’s always happening to her. Nobody knows the troubles she’s seen, but you better believe you’re gonna hear about it. If your mother is dying but her cat is sick, guess who’s going to monopolize the conversation? Whining is usually a bid for attention from somebody who doesn’t know how to get it any other way.  Next time she starts, say, “I’d rather hear what’s going right with your life.” 2. The Leech. He invites you over for “a few beers,” and when you get there, you find yourself refinishing his deck. She asks you what you’re doing tomorrow and when you say, “Nothing,” she says, “Great, I need somebody to watch my kids.”  They can’t (or won’t) handle their own lives, so they parcel off portions of it to everyone else. The answer: Say “no” early and often. They’ll either quit asking so much, or they’ll drop you, and you’ll know they prefer servants instead of friends. 3. The Yakker. Thank God for caller ID. These people missed their calling as  carnival barkers.  Are they a friend or a walking monologue looking for a place to land?  Full disclosure, that this is my vice.  Well OK, my worst vice amongst my many, so I understand the background on this one. The http://www.mcleodandmore.com/2014/01/31/five-friends-nobody-needs-and-how-to-manage-them-if-you-must/