I'm going to message a friend who I thought was being emotionally abused
What do you mean by "you thought" that he was being emotionally abused?
I think I am getting played by him because he has no friends so who is he getting emotionally abuse by.
Perhaps he is lonely like you said and doesn't have the proper social skills. He probably think you will abandon him someday so he came up with some stupid excuse trying to seek sympathy from you. I would just have a deep conversation with him and try to work things out because that's what friends are for.
Wow, I didn't expect you to be this nice and wise. I think I'm going to help him for real.
I am glad that you are helping him out for real. It is good to look out for your friends so that they can look out for you when you need help.