One who’s a well-meaning but bad influence on a friend, maybe

ENABLER

Think of someone who might encourage harmful habits under the guise of support, often making excuses for a friend’s poor choices. Their actions can feel caring but ultimately do more harm than good.

This clue describes someone who encourages a friend’s harmful behavior with good intentions—like covering for their bad habits or making excuses. The word "enabler" fits because it literally means a person who (often unknowingly) supports negative actions, even if they think they’re helping. The "maybe" hints at the nuance—it’s not always obvious, but the term is commonly used in discussions about addiction or toxic relationships. The answer plays on the idea of being well-meaning yet ultimately unhelpful.