As the saying goes, breaking up is hard to do; especially when it’s a long time friend. But not to worry, you aren’t alone. Breaking up with a friend happens quite frequently.
Lets face it, the friends you had as a child may not be the same in your adulthood, and that’s totally okay. You may have simply grown apart due to life’s demands of just living your life. Your priorities a year ago may not be the same today, and, with the growing demands from your job/career, family and maintaining close ties with your loved ones, you’ll start to lose friends. Those meant to stay, will understand that your priorities are changing and will meet you half-way in maintaining your friendship. And those who do not? Well, you don’t need them anyway, right? Here are 8 signs you may need to call-it-quits with a friend.
1. The negative interactions outnumber the positive ones.
If you hang out with your friend on a regular basis and more times than not there is a negative interaction, it might be time to call it quits. Friendships are meant to be enjoyable, not tense or anxiety-provoking. Uncomfortable moments are bound to happen in any relationship, but if it’s becoming consistent, it could be a sign that you two simply aren’t compatible.
2. Jealousy and competition run rampant.
One-upping, tense competition, and biting jealousy could be a sign your friendship isn’t what it’s chalked up to be. If you are constantly feeling the need to prove yourself to your friend, you’re going to feel more exhaustion than comfort from your pal. Friendships are supposed to be supportive and encouraging, not polarizing and antagonistic. So if you look around and realize you and your bud are pretty much participating in a stinky match-up of “whose poo don’t stink,” it could be time to exit through the gift shop.
3. There’s little contribution to your life.
Let’s be real: If someone wants to be in your life, they’ve gotta bring something to the table. Just like your polite dinner guests never show up empty-handed (and your true favorites bring wine), your friend should be delivering some sort of enhancement to your life. Maybe she always cheers you up. Perhaps she keeps you in stitches with her quick humor. Or maybe she’s just a good listener. Whatever it is that she contributes to your life, you cherish it.
So if you seriously can’t think of much that she contributes, it could be time to cut one chair from your next dinner party.
4. The perceived effort is off-balance.
One-sided relationships are not fun. Nobody likes to constantly pursue someone else for their time while not feeling the same in return. So you’ve gotta ask yourself, why are you chasing somebody who won’t chase you back?
When there is a lack of balance, that’s often an indicator that the friendship isn’t quite doing it for one or more parties involved. And if the balance isn’t in your favor, it could really damage your self concept. Don’t let that happen. If someone doesn’t have enough energy to reciprocate your fabulous friendship, then stop burning up all your energy, and let it go.
To continue reading and to find out the remaining 4 signs you may need to end a friendship, head over to the Huff Post.
