I've been on both sides.

The need to not be alone with myself is comforted by exerting codependency on another. best form of therapy for codependancy is to be alone ironically. I've also absorbed this energy from others mistaken it for my own. (struggles of an empath)

I've been on the receiving end as well for years with a handful of people. It can be very very toxic. Especially when you want to help everyone because you will keep enabling thinking your helping when really your absorbing that lack of self love from them.

Every time i tried to convey this it was rarely taken well. Sometimes the healthiest thing to do is to create distance and tell them you need to re center and work on yourself.

Just make sure you don't feel guilt as a result of focusing on your well being.
If they truly care for you the initial reaction of abandonment and anger will reside and they will be supportive and hopefully will also start being introspective and decide to find the same self love you already have.


*If this friend is local to me, keep in mind its a normal thing around here.
This type of behavior is encouraged a lot around here and rarely viewed as unhealthy.