How Do you “Break Up” with your Best Friend?

One of the saddest moments in life is when you realize that it’s time to end a friendship. It’s not difficult to end a casual friendship, but when you realize that you and your best friend no longer have what it takes to be friends, it’s a difficult moment. Perhaps you’re at different stages in your life. Perhaps the relationship feels more like work than something you enjoy. Perhaps it’s turned toxic and you need out. There are so many reasons best friendships don’t last, and so many reasons you might need to call it quits with your bestie. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be fun. It’s going to happen, and it’s going to be a difficult moment in your life. Fortunately, we can help you make it as seamless and easy as possible so that at least you can say that you got it done and handled.

Pull Back

It’s often easy to begin the break up process by pulling back. Start declining invitations and spending less time together; it could lead to a natural progression and you never really have to address it. You both just move on and everything is well.

Talk it Out

If you have to, you need to. It happens. It’s not easy, but you can talk about it. Tell your friend what’s happening. Tell her that you are looking to move on from your friendship. Make sure she’s aware of the fact that this happened or that happened or whatever; just be honest and tell her why things are no longer working out for you so that you are no longer in the midst of this anguish.

Cease Contact

Sometimes you just have to do this. It’s a last resort, but it has to happen. Start by talking to her. If she still doesn’t get it or thinks she can change your mind, you might have to resort to this step. Don’t answer her calls. Don’t respond to her texts. Don’t ‘like’ her social media posts and photos. Just stop contacting her and responding to her.

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