01:05
Faizan
In the best of times, friendships can be both rewarding and fulfilling. However, friendships grow and change, and the changes are not always for the better. If you are in the midst of an emotionally taxing friendship where you not only feel a rift but believe the relationship is actually damaging you, then it is probably a sign that something needs to change. Consider detaching yourself from friendships that do you more harm than good.
Think over what you want to do carefully. "Breaking up" with a friend is not something you should approach in a light manner. Once you end a friendship, it can be very hard to restore it. So be certain about what you want to do before you take any action. Ask yourself if you are being rational and sensible. Figure out if the pros outweigh the cons. If your friend has a good sense of humor, ask yourself if it is worth dealing with her intense passive aggressiveness.
Decrease the amount of time you spend with the friend. To avoid shocking your friend by a sudden break, try instead to gradually phase him out. If you were meeting with your friend every weekend to have lunch, stop doing so. Refrain from suggesting that the two of you hang out together. If your friend calls you to suggest doing something together, consider saying "no," even if you have nothing else to do at that time.
Consider a temporary break from the friendship. Instead of cutting ties entirely, think about taking a short break from your friend to assess what you truly want. Speak to your friend honestly about taking some time apart to reevaluate the situation. If your friendship is strong, the time apart may cause you both to realize how much you miss spending time together.
Communicate with your friend. If detaching from the friendship is your final decision, then let your friend know. Speak with her in a private location. Without making accusations and throwing blame, tell her clearly how you feel and what you have decided. Act calmly and stay away from insults. After all, you want to end a friendship, not begin a war of words.
Be firm in your decision. Do not allow your friend to guilt you into changing your mind. Even if he promises that the future will be different, do not let him pressure you. Go with your instinct and remember that you need to think about your own well-being first and foremost.
Tips & Warnings
Try not to make rash decisions. If you're angry with your friend, wait until you calm down before deciding whether or not to end the friendship. Avoid making decisions when you are not 100 percent cool and composed.
Think over what you want to do carefully. "Breaking up" with a friend is not something you should approach in a light manner. Once you end a friendship, it can be very hard to restore it. So be certain about what you want to do before you take any action. Ask yourself if you are being rational and sensible. Figure out if the pros outweigh the cons. If your friend has a good sense of humor, ask yourself if it is worth dealing with her intense passive aggressiveness.
Decrease the amount of time you spend with the friend. To avoid shocking your friend by a sudden break, try instead to gradually phase him out. If you were meeting with your friend every weekend to have lunch, stop doing so. Refrain from suggesting that the two of you hang out together. If your friend calls you to suggest doing something together, consider saying "no," even if you have nothing else to do at that time.
Consider a temporary break from the friendship. Instead of cutting ties entirely, think about taking a short break from your friend to assess what you truly want. Speak to your friend honestly about taking some time apart to reevaluate the situation. If your friendship is strong, the time apart may cause you both to realize how much you miss spending time together.
Communicate with your friend. If detaching from the friendship is your final decision, then let your friend know. Speak with her in a private location. Without making accusations and throwing blame, tell her clearly how you feel and what you have decided. Act calmly and stay away from insults. After all, you want to end a friendship, not begin a war of words.
Be firm in your decision. Do not allow your friend to guilt you into changing your mind. Even if he promises that the future will be different, do not let him pressure you. Go with your instinct and remember that you need to think about your own well-being first and foremost.
Tips & Warnings
Try not to make rash decisions. If you're angry with your friend, wait until you calm down before deciding whether or not to end the friendship. Avoid making decisions when you are not 100 percent cool and composed.
Posted in: Friendship
