I really need some advice. I have a friend that really needs some help. Or rather, I need some help in figuring out how to help him.
We grew up together. He lived right down the street. Some people confused us for each other, even though he was much bigger than I. We shared the same taste in almost everything. When a bully started terrorizing our neighbourhood, he was instrumental in kicking ass.
In the last year, we’ve really drifted apart. He has some seriously misguided conceptions and is closing in on himself. He has become aggressive and rude. His ego is running away with him and taking his entire family down with him. His family seems unable to stop his destructive ways. He really believes he is the 2nd coming and he belittles anyone that tries to tell him otherwise. Even his most compassionate siblings are entirely unapproachable, telling me this is none of my business anytime I try to broach the subject with them.
The problem is, I care. I know that underneath his uncouth facade lies the great friend I once had. But he denigrates me and all our former circle of friends and has, instead, cozied up to the worst element imaginable, hanging out with thugs and thieves.
The store his family owns is in trouble as no one wants to do business with him anymore. He combats this by raising his prices, knowing that people still need his wares, but he doesn’t give a shit. He is about grabbing as much money by whatever means, nefarious or otherwise, possible.
He has become racist (to be fair, his grandfather was known all over the neighbourhood as being a racist prick) so maybe he is just being true to his nature, but this is 2018. No attempts to enlighten him work.
I and my neighbours are at our wits end. We don’t want to lose him, but fear we may have to say goodbye forever.
What can I do for my once-glorious friend?
Sincerely,
Canada.
