I have a few friends that I've known in real life, that have moved away or had life changes like marriage or career changes and things of this nature that make it so that I no longer have contact with them on a regular basis other than a few messages her and there on Myspace or Facebook or maybe even a text message every once in a while. I don't really fell like any of them are my true friends but I still know them...just from our life paths crossing. How do I get rid of them without hurting their feelings or feeling like I'm being rude? Should I meesage them letting them know I no longer want to be friends or what? Any suggestions?
2007-04-11 17:15:24 · 24 answers · asked by radioactive_babywipes 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
No, just let the friendship die out.
2007-04-11 17:18:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
A person can never have too many friends but I think these people are more 'acquaintances' for you - not friends. I would suggest that you not close any doors - who knows when one of these people might need your friendship in the future - or you might need theirs. If you're busy or don't feel you have any thing to say to them just be very brief in any response that you make to them. Don't offer new information about yourself and don't respond directly to stuff in their lives - just say something like 'thanks for your message, glad things are going well for you' - or - 'nice hearing from you.' Leave it at that. For sure don't send out any message saying 'let's not be friends' or such! There's no need to be cruel.
2007-04-12 00:58:32 · answer #2 · answered by Santal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, just stop texting and calling and emailing. That's how I did/do it. When you drift apart there is no need to point out the obvious, just let it go. I understand when people do that to me, and I am sure others understand when I do that. Most of the time, you don't really notice how long it has been, so you don't really get offended that you haven't been in touch. Explaining that you are not going to talk to them again just leaves them with a "Man is he crazy!" memory of you.
2007-04-12 00:22:05 · answer #3 · answered by Haveitlookedat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The way it naturally happens is by not returning their messages and calls with the pretext that you're too "busy", which is the same as letting them know they're not a priority. After a certain amount of time in all likelihood they'll forget about you.
2007-04-12 00:19:56 · answer #4 · answered by the Boss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are pretty lame. why do you need to be mean and cut folks off? it'll be like this:
your car broke down on the freeway and hey! there's the old friend you cut off...gee, i think he's waving at ya while he cruises by.
or wait, you're trying to get into the club and there's that pesky old friend, who's now buddies with the owner, oh snap! you forgot, he's not your friend anymore..ok, get back in line and wait.
or here's the kicker...that job that pays big bucks and you know that there are 100 guys who also want it. oh...my...bad...the hiring manager is...wait for it......that darned old friend you just couldn't wait to get rid of...
are you seeing a pattern yet?
we have friends for a reason, a season or forever...you don't need to control which friendship it will be, just be a good friend while it lasts.
2007-04-12 01:44:04 · answer #5 · answered by chieko 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im dealing with the same thing i canceled that myspace account and when they asked why i said i was over myspace. i dont call them they call and i either let it go to voicemail or say hey im busy can you call later. it sucks cuz i work with these people i used to party with them and i quit partying, i see them like once a week and everytime i do i just say i m in the middle of something can we talk later--i think theyll catch on eventually-
2007-04-12 00:22:14 · answer #6 · answered by jujubeee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply cut the lines of communication with them for time being. If you tell them that you know longer want to be friends with them, you risk burning bridges, which may be undesirable in the event that you need something from them in the future.
2007-04-12 00:21:21 · answer #7 · answered by Johnny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why, is it really putting such a strain on your life to answer an email a couple times a year?
I can't imagine why you'd want to go out of your way to explicitly drop people that you already have virtually nothing to do with, but if you must... simply stop responding to the messages.
2007-04-12 00:21:35 · answer #8 · answered by EQ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The best thing to do is to stop calling them or texting them. Just stop without any explanations. They should get the hint. It happened to me too.......about 3 of my friends just stopped writing or calling me, so I stopped contacting them too. If they had wanted to remain friends with me, I'm very sure they know how to contact me. So do what my ex-friends do, stop contacting the friends you no longer want to have.
2007-04-12 02:51:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess you could message them, or you can just let them disappear on their own. Why get rid of them though? I have friends from college that I rarely see, almost never. We still email to catch up because its always a good reunion when they are in town or vice versa. (Selfish reasons-they could also be good if they live in a nice vacation area LOL)
Let time play its part. If you lose contact, you do. No reason to force it.
2007-04-12 00:19:40 · answer #10 · answered by The Gay Argentian Seal 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The act of getting rid of a friend is by definition rude and infantile. Be grateful for all people who cross your path. Thank the universe for all.
People are not disposable.
2007-04-12 04:57:25 · answer #11 · answered by HerMajesty 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋