Dear Eric: I am friends with a person I dated for a short while. We're in our 50s. The only reason I still see her is that she doesn't have any other friends.

She is also a sole parent to a difficult teen who also has no friends and has no desire to make any (she tells me this). I do not enjoy her company, although she is a good person.

It's not as though I have a stellar social life myself, but I really do not want to hang out with her anymore. I do it because if I don't she will have no one, but it is getting harder to do.

I also think that she hopes that we will eventually become romantic partners again but I have no interest in that with her and have been clear about that.

Also, I feel I can't date anyone else because she will be hurt (she has told me that). I do care about her welfare. I think I need to limit how often we meet. It used to be weekly but because of vacations and being busy at work I haven't seen her for about six weeks and it's been so nice. Now she wants to get together again. I don't know what to do.

- Friend Dilemma

Dear Friend: While your intentions may be good, the situation you're in isn't working for anyone. You, by your own admission, don't like this person. So, don't hang out with her. Friend breakups can be hard because it's often uncomfortable to formalize something that only exists in feelings. But it sounds like that's what both of you need at this point in your relationship.

There are a couple of concerning details here. For instance, she doesn't want you to date anyone else and you've acquiesced to that. That's not a healthy friendship. She has to accept your breakup. That's not work you can do for her. Furthermore, a good friend isn't going to try to control your behavior or block you from romantic happiness.

Transitioning from dating to platonic friendship isn't always easy or natural. It takes intention on both sides and good boundaries. There may come a time when you can be in each other's lives and have that friendship be of mutual benefit. But right now you should be direct and kind, but honest.