Dear Friend,

I know you have not been yourself lately. You seem exhausted, lost and unmotivated. You don't want to converse and get frazzled when I ask you about your day. There is something bothering you, taking the life out of you. I can't ideally relate to what is troubling you, but I want to help you.

I understand sometimes we give our unconditional commitment and aren't met halfway. I understand that it's frustrating to realize that someone who you thought was close actually wanted distance. I understand it's frustrating when you just want everything to work out, but it feels like the world is falling apart. I understand you may be fearful. Everything that could go wrong goes wrong. It's okay.

There will be a new day as the sun will rise and the darkness will pass. However, it is up to you to let the sun rise. You should not seclude yourself thinking there is no help. You should not think that no one will understand. You should not be afraid to speak up. You should not be afraid to face an end. Relationships are hard as they are a two-way business: both individuals have to pull their weight to keep the relationship going. However, sometimes, relationships take sharp turns into an uncomfortable phase where you may feel helpless or ultimately shock as you cannot believe what is happening. Once you reach the uncomfortable phase, you need to seek help to resolve the issues, or ultimately end the relationship.

You may fear that if you end the relationship, something bad will happen. However, if you speak up, you may be able to avoid the bad and focus on the good. You won't be constantly stressed, bitter, upset and ultimately develop other mental health issues that may have stemmed from your unhealthy relationship. You will be free from a weight that was bringing you down and can continue to live YOUR LIFE.

It will suck: I won't lie. Breaking away from any relationship whether that be a friendship or family relationship is always hard; but, if you can see how the positives outweigh the negatives, then you may not feel terrible post breakup. Life likes to throw curve balls, so eventually you have to learn to bat and hit those curve balls.

As someone who has eventually learned to distance myself from my negative relationships by seeking help from those I trust, I believe you should try seek help too. Do not let the unhealthy relationships take control of your life.

You are the driver of your life: don't enable others to steal your steering wheel.

Your Friend,

Fariha