Sure, we've all gone through breakups with significant others, but the type of breakup that we don't talk about as often is the friend breakup. Breaking up with a friend can be even worse than a relationship breakup because they are supposed to be the ones that you can go to about anything and they normally last much longer than relationships. However, sometimes breaking up with a friend is necessary. If you find yourself having any of these issues with a friend, it might be time to evaluate their place in your life.
1. When it's clear that they no longer respect you
Relationship or friendship, respect is vital. If they aren't respecting you, then you shouldn't be talking to them.
2. When you feel obligated to hang out with them, rather than excited.
If you feel obligated to hang out with them because you've been friends for so long, then you need to dump them. Even if they are still super nice, people change over time and they might not be a good fit for you anymore.
3. When you realize you're the only one making an effort.
Nothing sucks more than putting 110% into a friendship with someone who is only giving 30%. If you aren't getting out what you are putting into the friendship, it's time to call it quits.
4. When you realize you don't really have anything in common anymore.
Back to #2, people change over time and those changes don't always coincide with each other. If you find that you are too different from how you used to be, it might be a good idea to end the friendship.
5. When you find yourself questioning why you're even friends with them.
Have you ever looked at someone and just asked yourself "How did we even become friends when there are so many things I don't like about you?" If you have, you shouldn't be friends with them.
6. When you only hear from them, when they have no one else to talk to.
When someone only talks to you when their other friends or their significant other is not around, you've become their backup. Don't settle for being a backup.
7. When they only come to you for advice.
It's totally okay to give and receive advice from friends because that's what they are there for! But when they only ever talk to you when they need advice and don't reciprocate any other part of the friendship, they are treating you like their therapist.
8. When they judge you instead of providing healthy critiques.
If you make some life decisions that they don't agree on and criticize you for them instead of offering constructive advice that can maybe help you, then they don't have your best interests in mind.
9. When they constantly cancel plans.
Canceling one or two times isn't a big deal. But when it becomes a recurring thing, it's an issue. Why would you want to be friends with someone who isn't willing to put in the time to hang out with you?
Friend breakups are hard. But just like romantic relationships, people change and things happen and it is sometimes healthier to end a friendship rather than make yourself miserable.
