Barnacle buddies or lampreys

[Darthwader]

I am not a safety device! neither am I an experienced diver;
regardless, I have a buddy who treats me like a damned DM (alright, more like a host fish to a lamprey!) I set up the dive, arrange the gear, lead the dive, etc, etc. I'm not going to be responsible for the safety of lazy/complacent divers! as a buddy of course I'll hold up my end of the bargain, but what am I getting in return?
I've resolved that this year I will be as self-sufficient as possible, I will increase my training (ongoing, I know), and I will strive toward eventually having the experience and training to safely solo dive.