I have a close friend for the past 20 years, we met in school but there is a problem. She is very critical of my life. The reason is that I work on a contract basis, very hard and then take long breaks to travel. The career she chose requires her to be at home 12 months a year but she has a pretty good life. My parents died many years ago & left myself & siblings some savings so I have a backup which she doesn't. Nevertheless, I took a more difficult career, worked my head off for years & made prudent investments. Also, I date a lot more than her and look a lot younger (many people comment on this). She said to me that she couldn't date a guy like my last boyfriend as he 'earns less than me'. I pick my friends/boyfriends for their person, not for their wallet. She would love to quit work and live from a guy. She always tries to get me to cut my hair (she has short hair) but I prefer long. The bottom line is, there are many differences in our outlooks and values. Her comments get me down as she is negative & very unhappy. I just told her I'm planning my next travel break (working holiday for months) and her reaction was 'silence'. What's her problem? Important- I don't have this problem with ANY other friends! They support & are happy for me.