A good friend is someone who we enjoy spending time with and one who leaves us feeling energised and positive about ourselves. But many of us have so-called friends who are just the opposite. Those that are critical, unreliable, or just leave us feeling down after talking to them.
For most people, it’s difficult to admit that they don’t like spending time with a particular friend anymore. From the previous work colleague that you no longer have anything in common with, to the old school friend who constantly criticises you, we all have friends that we only see out of a sense of duty. But spending time with these sorts of friends not only takes you away from the people that you really want to spend time with but can leave you feeling depressed and worn out too.
So if your heart sinks when you see a particular friend’s name flash up on your phone, ask yourself whether the friendship is really worth preserving. If the answer is no, then it may be time to move on. Letting a friend go isn’t always easy but it will give you back the time to spend with the people you really love. You can either be honest and tell the person that you don’t have anything in common anymore and don’t want meet up again. However, if that feels too confrontational, it’s okay to take the easier route and simply withdraw contact steadily and eventually they will get the message. You may feel guilty but in reality, if you’re unable to be a good friend yourself, it’s better for both parties in the long-term that you move on.
For more advice on forming positive friendships, visit: www.thefriendshipblog.com
