How do I set boundaries with a clingy friend?
My friend has become very needy and clingy lately. I think she has always been that way because I realized she has anxious attachment style and she tends to be controlling and has anxiety. But lately I noticed it is getting worse after she had a kid. She always texts me throughout the day to give updates about her day like what she ate, where she went, who she saw, how her day was, and about her kid. I am not really interested to know about these details and I honestly cant always texts because I am busy and knowing these details seems a bit unnecessary. There has been time where I dont respond, she gets anxious and asks why I dont respond, did I get her texts, why I dont share anything with her, did I miss her, etc . I find this a bit possessive and controlling on her end. Maybe I am wrong?
I have also noticed she invites me to activities she wants to do with her kid. As a single gal who doesnt have kids, I am not really interested in doing that with her. Not that I dont like her kid or being around kids, I just have different interests. I am not sure why she invites me to this given that she has other friends who have kids to do that with her.
Anyways, I've tried limiting our hangouts. I have also noticed that when I say no, she asks why I am saying no, do I have other plans? Another example of her being controlling. And when we hangout, she always talks about herself first and wants to know every detail about my personal life, especially who I am dating. She tries to set me up with someone which I dont aks her to do and never did. I find this to be invasive and I dont feel the obligation to share that because I am private person.
She is a good person and I know she will be there for me, but sometimes it feels draining to be around her to the point I actually dont really want to hang out with her. Maybe we grew apart?
How can I set boundaries and limit my hangout with her without hurting her feelings? Because I know she will try to manipulate me, guilt trip me make me the bad guy.