I know they only want a friend, and I know how important it is to reach out. But I cannot be their friend. I can't be there for them, I can't consistently reply to their messages, and when I don't reply, they message me again. When I'm honest, and say I'm not looking for friendship, I'm met with arguments. 

I don't know what to do here. It seems that I can't win, and I do feel bad for not being able to be there for people. But my brain is fried as it is.