In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who doesn't like their boyfriend's toxic friend.

The mutual friend is known by many as a toxic person who is also an egotistical bully, and I believe he uses his friendship with my boyfriend to elevate his own image and legitimize his toxic actions. I would never give my boyfriend the ultimatum to choose ...

Done: While your reasons for playing the role of Toxic Avenger may be noble, it’s time to hang up the cape. If it’s your resentment that’s affecting your relationship rather than anything the friend is doing to you or your relationship, then you’ve got to put it to rest. If you don’t, you risk toxicity yourself.

We happen to have a mutual friend, whom I have actually known for many more years than he has. The mutual friend is known by many as a toxic person who is also an egotistical bully, and I believe he uses his friendship with my boyfriend to elevate his own image and legitimize his toxic actions.