Oh no, this isn't about the readers at all. There is a different dynamic here. While public comments stay within boundaries and offer useful suggestions that I process and keep in mind, my situation with this person involves a private friendship. He knows far more detail than a typical reader.

You’re right: I have a huge issue setting boundaries. I get thrown off too easily and find it hard to say basic things like, 'I don’t want to talk about this.' I let my emotions lead me by the nose, and when that happens, I eventually just go into hiding. If I could have voiced out at the first incident, things may not have compounded and escalated at all. This is my major flaw. I own this.