Fondness for a man in "Self Destruct" mode (friend, neighbor)

[AliceT]

I guess this is just me setting myself up for a fall and more heartache. This neighbor is a diabetic. He is also a sugar addict who feeds his addiction rather than his illness. His reading glasses are the strongest he can find without a prescription. Both legs below the knee are severely discolored and swollen. He has a home health care worker show up at his place twice a week to change the bandage on one leg. He is supposed to keep his legs, and particularly that one, elevated. It is rare that he does so.

And yet, he is an endearing man with very similar thoughts and ideas to mine. I prefer not to get attached to someone bent on killing himself. Did I mention he weighs over 400 pounds?

I know nobody can really do anything to spare me another heartache, but just wanted to vent.

[temptation001]

Do you like him as a friend or mate?

[AliceT]

As a friend.

[crossing over]

Sometimes friends don't tell their friends what to do (stop eating this, stop doing that), instead they point out at the good things in life and the many joys one can have, invite them to activities they never thought of trying etc, so that they focus less on eating triggered by reward mechanisms and get their kicks from something else. In time, of course, the said (in need) person must want and fight to make this change last become a daily pattern.

[AliceT]

That's what I've been doing. He doesn't drive, has no means of transportation other than the Veterans Administration shuttle to appointments and such. I've been taking him to auctions, garage sales, out to dinner or lunch and shopping.