I don't mean romantic relationships, though my marriage has been in an ebb and flow for some time. I'm addressing some other relationships between friends that are quite intense. For the first six years, we would hang out regularly. We all laughed, commiserated, and were there for one another. Then came my kid and my priorities shifted to my home life taking the lead. But the less time I had for some people due to work and raising my son, the more these people would lash out questioning the nature and value of our relationship. When they are sane, I see the best of them and I relish in their company. However, for the past year, it has been a fight just wanting to be around them. I still love them unconditionally, but damn, if they aren't making it difficult.