Dear Lauren,
There’s someone that I no longer want to be friends with. How do I let this be known without upsetting them?
Sincerely,
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Dear Breaking,
Ending a relationship is always difficult. But the first thing you need to do is to decide why you want to part ways with your friend.
If it’s over an argument, it’s good to remember that those sort of things ca be talked out. There’s no need to run away from someone just because you had a disagreement. If it’s because you just don’t get along with them, then think about why you were even friends with them in the first place. Maybe they have some redeeming qualities you would miss. In that case, maybe you should keep them around.
However, if you decide that you just cannot be friends with them anymore, then there are two ways to approach the situation.
Either you can just tell them to their face that you would rather not have contact anymore and give the reason. Or you could be passive aggressive and just avoid them. This second way may not be the best way, but it is easier. Just ignore their texts, avoid going to the same places they are, etc. Overall, just make yourself invisible to them.
While both ways will hurt, this way will hurt even more. So really, it isn’t the greatest route if you don’t want to come off as an inconsiderate jerk.
The best thing to do is to go with option one and be honest and upfront. It will probably hurt their feelings, but at least there is closure in the friendship.
Good luck and remember to listen to Lauren!
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Lauren Dwyer
Senior Features Editor
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