Is not being always available being a bad friend?

Sometimes my friends call and I just don’t feel like talking or having any social interactions so I don’t answer the phone. Then I feel kinda bad and worry if I’m not available all the time they won’t wanna be my friend. Then I think about it and say who cares I need to look after myself first, right? But then will they still like me? Is not being always available being a bad friend?

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DunningKruger · 61-69, M

No. If you've ever flown on a plane, you've sat through the safety briefing. In case of an emergency, oxygen masks will drop and parents of small children are specifically instructed to put their masks on first before putting their children's masks on.

The same principle applies here. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of your friends, and that means sometimes you have to say no to them. Real friends understand this. If it's a problem for them, then they aren't your friends.