Rarely in my life have I ever had to do this. Usually it's a case of sort of letting the friendship develop into something else (examples: a close friend becomes a casual friend OR a casual friend becomes an acquaintance). Are there times when the friendship cannot be repaired and it is just a good idea to stay away from a toxic individual, no matter how long you've known him or her?
2006-08-21 07:09:11 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
You guys and gals are on a roll so far. Thanks. This person has started at least 4 unexpected arguments with me in the recent past -- once in a restaurant!
2006-08-21 07:27:49 · update #1
Yes. People change all the time, possibly without even realizing it. We change from experiences, things we're going through, etc...It's sometimes for the good, & unfortunately sometimes it's for the worse...I don't know your situation, but, I had to let go of a friend myself a couple of yrs. ago. There's only so much a person can take, & everyone has that 'line' that if it's crossed, it's done went too far. Only problem is, most of the time people don't know where 'the line' is, until it's already been crossed. Course you can forgive, but, like I said...there's only so much 1 person can take. If that person is making your life more miserable than enjoyable, I think it's time to let go.....
2006-08-21 07:23:55 · answer #1 · answered by alindler83 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, if your heart's not into it, you can't truly be friends, can you?
Sure, it'll hurt your former friend's feelings by 'dumping' them, and they might try to slander you. If you do care about your reputation, is it worth the cost of a source of negativity in your life? Few people would think so.
Some people just change, or you grow in different directions. If you're no longer getting along, then either sit down with the person, have a sincere conversation, or move on. Sometimes we don't understand that we are irritating others. Your friend may be feeling insecure or neglected. But that doesn't make it right if they take it out on you.
I am very loyal to my friends, but it takes quite a bit before I'll consider someone to be a true friend. If the person was a good friend of mine, I would definitely put in the effort to salvage things before going my separate way. But if they're just a casual friend, just give them some space, and see if things improve. If it's an acquaintance, don't even bother, you don't have much invested in the relationship anyway.
PS - If both parties are willing to work out their differences, a friendship can always be repaired. It takes patience and hard work. You'll ultimately have to decide whether this particular friendship is worth the time and effort. Your recent experiences may cast an unsavory pall over the friendship - think back to the good times you had as well, what you have in common, and when your friend has been there for you.
Good luck.
2006-08-22 00:41:38 · answer #2 · answered by Jimmy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually read an article about this in a magazine years ago. It was ironically called "toxic" friends. The answer is yes there does come a time when it is best to just cut ties with an individual. If the "friendship" is unhealthy then it should be ended. My mother was friends with a woman from the age of 13 until just a few years ago. My mother is now 59yrs old. The woman would act jealous toward my mother for no reason at all. She stopped speaking to my mother for a year because her (the friend's) husband gave my mother a hug when she was in a very depressed state of mind. The woman would give her the silent treatment if my mom spent time with other friends or didn't call her everyday. She would treat my mother horribly. Since the friendship ended my mother has felt a burden lifted, Sounds like you may feel the same.
2006-08-21 14:46:04 · answer #3 · answered by geni 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once a friend breaks your trust it is never the same and that is when you grow apart. in one case my "friend" tried to get me arrested for something she knew I would not do. In another case we just went different ways in life. And then there is the friends you have to let go because they are holding you back.
2006-08-21 14:16:48 · answer #4 · answered by anita_reel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a couple friends that could be considered toxic, but I haven't made the committment to end the relationship. There's a teeny tiny faint glimmer of hope that they'll grow up and change.
2006-08-21 14:18:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
2006-08-21 14:13:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes sometimes you just have to stop talking to people who are bad for you.
2006-08-21 14:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by Rachel Bitchface 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, as long as you dont want to be round them anymore then you should do it for you.
2006-08-21 14:17:13 · answer #8 · answered by baby_luv 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if there is no good in it then no need to be in a friendship where your not happy or they mean you no good
2006-08-21 14:24:13 · answer #9 · answered by ♥*♥Bahamian Gal♥*♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋