There’s nothing better than a true and good friendship. Friends are an integral part of our lives, and we all need someone to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
Sometimes, as the course of our life changes, we no longer connect with some people the way we once did. While some friendships faze and fade out, some last longer than they should have.
If you’ve been friends with someone for a while, but haven’t been able to recall why, you should consider the following factors: are they competitive and overly critical of you? Do they lack empathy; are they jealous of you?
What’s even worse than having no friends to count on is having a toxic friendship.
When is a friendship toxic?
It is crucial to know why you need to end a friendship, before you do the deed. Here are a few for your checklist:
- If you don’t get a chance to talk about your own life, and all your energy is spent on the other person’s problems, always.
- When you leave the interaction feeling drained and your expectations are never met.
- If you cannot trust your friend or make excuses for them any longer.
While all relationships need work and communication, if you have a friend that manipulates you and leaves you feeling worse, then it is time to rethink that friendship.
Ways to cut off the friendship:
- Communicating your troubles
While this might sound like the hardest way, it is the healthiest. It gives you the chance to clarify miscommunications, and express your needs to another person. Remember to place your needs in the picture instead of being overly critical of them.
This also allows the other person to reflect upon their actions and learn from their mistakes.
- Taking some time off
This is for when you are not sure, or not ready to confront your friend just yet. You can communicate to them that you need some time away from them.
If they don’t understand, then you can move into option three.
- Drifting away
This is the more organic but longer way to end a friendship. It can be a better idea when you can’t communicate clearly with your friend, or your friend is overly confrontational and you don’t want the conversation to turn into a fight.
- Taking a clean break
Sometimes it is just easier to rip the band-aid off. If you and your friend have had problems for a while and can’t reach an agreement, then it can be better for the both of you to just call it quits.
And if the friendship has been adversely affecting you, you need to take the first step!
While it can be productive to have that honest chat and communicate to your friend about their shortcomings, it is also important to be self-reflective in all your relationships, and listen to the other person with as much intent as you would want them to listen to you.
For more tips and advice on friendships, follow Kaldan’s blog today!