My reasons were personal
(Sidebar: I dont know why you folks put up with this Norm character for so long, but we can save that discussion for another time)
I put up with Norman as long as I did, because he was a personal friend whom I had known since 1988, and lives near me. I watched him deteriorate into this paranoid, schizo person, with suidcidal tendencies, and for over two years I tried everything in my power to remain that friend, to use all resources I had to help him, and to cope with his often abusive behavior towards me.
Last year on November 5th, I cracked, or should I say, I exploded... and gave up. I forced Norman out of my group, out of my life, and out of my sphere of responsibility. I could no longer cope with his behavior and how it was affecting me, my family and our friends. Sometimes I regret this decision, as I don't end friendships lightly, but I've had such peace since doing so, it usually serves to remind me it was my only choice to make.
He still tries to reach me at times, tries to make comments to others to feed back to me, but I remain unmoved, unwavering, because I have to protect me first, and my family, and he is bad for my health and my sanity.
I think the hardest thing I have ever done in my life was turn my back on him. But I also think I should have done it many years ago.
I hope that answers the question, at least for me anyway, Bio-nerd. :)
Brenda
