I've tried everything to be nice to my friend. I wish him "Good Morning", he gripes. I ask how his day is going, he gripes. I wish him "Good night". I get nothing.

I used to be this way but friends changed my ways.

I'm getting to the point where I don't want to bother given his attitude. I don't think he's ever had anyone give a damn. My give a damn's about to be broken.

I know his business is not doing well and he has other stresses in his life, but geez he doesn't need to take it out on me.

Should I just leave him be? Or continue being nice and hope he'll come around?

Aaron,

If he is truly a friend who you want to continue to interact with, why not pull him aside and simply tell him that his Debbie Downer attitude makes it very difficult for you to want to be pleasant to him? Let him know that everyone has personal issues to deal with, and that you're not asking him to put up a false front. But if he can't see the goodness in those around him and stop being a grouch, then he will rapidly find himself, by himself!

RanchHand

These are such tough times, it is almost impossible to be positive about anything. He does need to understand that he is not the only one going through tough times however. Good luck Aaron!

Aaron, this is a tough call. Both RanchHand and J Eddie make good points. If I were in your position, I would continue to act the way you do. He more than likely appreciates your warmth and your care. Just let him know that you're there for him.

I, too, can be really grumpy at times and treat my friends and family in a cursory manner. It's brought on by pressure from work and other matters. Do I regret it? Hell, yes. And it changes my attitude. Your friend has to realize that for himself.

I agree with BigBlueCowboy, one has to change their attitudes. Personally, I have been really rotten to my family, but I am aware I need to stop making people feel like crap. It is so bad that I am aware of it and still can't seem to stop, but I am working on it. I could definitely say work and a personal friendship/relationship are my causes for being rude.

As RanchHand stated, if he is a true friend, hang in there. My family is hanging in with me and I love them for it.

Maybe Aaron needs to rip his clothes off and help him adjust his attitude!

Sounds naughty J eddie, but who knows what will satisfy anyone these days? I could stand for someone to rip my clothes off and adjust...give me a new attitude!

Ditto! The bigger the adjustment the better!

Aaron is this a friend you are having sex with? If not, I don't think there is anything to say. Give him space. If you are having sex with him, it might be worth bringing it up in the moment before he nuts.

I'm done with him. It finally came out why he's been such a grouch to me. He's trying to distance himself away from me.

He claims I spend too much time in bars. That I'm too lazy. And that's just the top two things he doesn't like about me. There's more.

He's such a hypocrite. Who is the one that drunk called me the other night from a bar? Who's the one that goes for after hour drinks with his buddies, every Wednesday night? Who is the one that manages bands that play in bars? Who is the one that says he was lazy, when I ask what he did over the weeekend?

I think he's just looking for reasons not to be my friend. Oh well, I have other friends that enjoy my company and know what I'm about.

Good riddance to him. I hope he finds someone that makes him happy. Good luck with that.

It still has to suck a...71.

Sounds more like the issue is himself and he's taking it out on you instead of acknowledging his own problems. More than likely, you have very little to do with what's going on in his life right now. Maybe someday he might find himself in a position to come back to you and say "I was an ass" and you can resume the friendship. The important thing is not to wait for him. IF he ever comes to that realization, you can allow him back into your life. But if he is unwilling to change or work on whatever it is that he's projecting onto you, you are much better off without him around.

I'm still confused about the relationship. Do you like this dude and he's picking up on it and distancing himself? Did you guys ever hook up? Is "friend" code for "boyfriend"? I'm only asking because what you are describing - creating distance based on personal qualities - has never happened to me in any of my friendships straight or gay. Not to say that it can't, but most straight dudes I know care about pussy and camaraderie, not whether or not there friends are "lazy" and gay dudes just want to sleep with you or have you around to help get booty.

In any event, good luck.

We were friends and did hook up a few times. I don't get him either. Neither he or I were looking for anything serious. All I tried to do was be a good friend to him.

I am shocked at his behavior. No one has ever said they wouldn't be my friend if I didn't change my "ways".

But I don't want to burn any bridges so I haven't confronted him. I've just given him his space and hopefully, he realizes that I was nothing but a good friend to him and he'll want that again.

Sounds like you guys had a break up. Happens to the best of us. F*ck buddies tend to end or marry.