7 Signs It’s Time to Let Go of A Friendship
When you and your best friend have been at odds for a while, how do you know when it’s time to let the relationship go?
Romantic breakups hurt, but friendship breakups hit differently. You were once thicker than thieves, but now it seems like you’re drifting apart. It may hurt, but determining when it’s time to end a friendship is essential for your happiness and wellbeing.
There are numerous reasons why friendships come to an end. Maybe your values have shifted, or you’re no longer communicating as you once did.
So, how can you tell it’s time consider ending a friendship? Do you wait until shady behaviors turn toxic, or do you address them directly? If you’re noticing red flags, or your addititude towards your best friend has changed, maybe it’s time to think about cutting them out of your life. Here are 7 signs it’s time to let go of a friendship:
1. unequal Effort
It can be exhausting to be the only one making an effort to maintain the connection with a friend. If you’re consistently the one making plans and checking in, and that energy isn’t being matched, it’s a clear sign of an imbalance in the relationship. When the relationship feels one-sided, it may be time to give it up.
2. You’re Growing Apart
One of the primary reasons people befriend one another is because they share similar values. Whether you're both career-focused or indulgent foodies, having common values with a friend is vital for building a lasting relationship. However, as time goes on, people change. When your interests, values, and life paths no longer align with your friends', maintaining a close relationship can become challenging. This might be a deal-breaker.
Recognizing these differences allows you to grow and evolve. It can be a tough decision, but you should never compromise your beliefs for the sake of memories and time.
3. You aren’t benefitting each other
Consider the type of relationship you have with this person. Is the only thing you do together smoking and drinking? Having fun with friends is important, but you should also be uplifting and supporting each other in some way.
If you feel that your friend is no longer contributing positively to your life, or if you're not benefiting them, it's a sign that the friendship may have run its course.
4. Distance is straining the relationship
Unfortunately, not all best friends can live close to each other. Whether one friend is away at college or an unexpected move has occurred, distance can weaken even the strongest friendships. If you're finding it hard to connect with your friend, communicate regularly, and make frequent visits, you may need to move on from the friendship.
5. Disrespect and Boundary Violations:
A major red flag in a friendship is inconsistency. If your friend continuously disrespects your boundaries, ignores your feelings, or treats you poorly, this is sign that the relationship has strained.
Whether your friend holds grudes from past conflicts or refuses to acknowledge and work on their mistakes, disrespect and boundary violations can become a roadblock to a healthy friendship. Ultimately, if communicating with your friend leaves you feeling drained, stressed, or emotionally exhausted, it’s time to reevaluate your friendship.
6. Constant Negativity
If your friend is always negative, constantly complaining, and dragging you down with their pessimism, you might want to pack up the relationship.
7. Lack of Trust
Healthy relationships are built on trust, and if your friend has blatantly broken your trust, or you have reason to believe they're untrustworthy, it's not worth the stress to maintain the friendship. If you feel like you can't confide in your friend, consider letting them go.
Remember, it's okay to outgrow friendships, and sometimes letting go is the healthiest choice for both parties involved. It's never easy, but your well-being and happiness should be a top priority.
