It may have come to a point in your life where a person you considered a “friend” might not be someone you need or want in your life anymore.
Although it can be difficult to end a relationship with someone you cared about and still may care about, it is important to focus on your well-being.
Here are the options you can consider when breaking up with a friend and still be as amicable as possible afterwards.
Talk it out
When people have intimate relationships with others, there is typically a “talk” involved which resolves any awkwardness, nerves, doubts or questions each person has for the other.
Having “the talk” with a friend can help initiate a “break-up” or it can help resolve a friendship so a break up is not necessary at all.
When having the talk, it is important to converse on these goals:
- Clarifying boundaries
- Defining the relationship, you share with your friends
- See where each person stands in the relationship
- Talk about a future with this friend
- This talk, if done properly and clearly with respect, can help resolve or amend hidden resentments, miscommunications, boundaries, misunderstandings, jealousy and old fights.
Take a break
All friendships at some point, need a definitive break – whether it is forced or happens naturally.
Especially in circumstances where a difficult talk has just been had, it might help to take some time apart from your friend.
Be blunt
There may be a time in your friendship where you can absolutely not take it anymore. If this is the case, your best option might be shaking off all the negativity from your friendship by sharing your thoughts and feelings and going your separate ways from your relationship with this person.
When letting it all out with your friend, state what needs are not being met, clarify your feelings, don’t blame anyone, don’t make excuses and be gentle and kind.
This article originally appeared on Over60.