Another life poisoned.

[Hermit]

I prefer to label them "fair-weather friends". That's judgmental enough. Most of them probably preferred to avoid facing up to an extremely unpleasant reality to being useful and a real friend.

I have read stuff like this a bunch of times, and wanted to comment that 'fairweather friends' are good, too.

That is why I don't want to call them cowards. It's too judgmental. The term 'fairweather friend' is accurate, although I suspect most would not feel flattered if you called them that to their face. I actually think of such people around me as acquaintances. I don't expect them to stick by me when I need support. Things get a little more complex when someone you regard as a 'real' friend leaves you in the lurch and an 'acquaintance' surprises you with unexpected help.

[Cunt]

I am happy to be a fairweather friend to many. I also have friends for whom I would do unspeakable things, but I really do enjoy my casual acquaintances and I think they count for more support than most people think.