Have you ever been talking to one of your friends and realized that the entire conversation is about them? You spent two hours helping them with their problems, and they never even asked you how you are. Anytime you need a shoulder to lean on, they’re always “busy,” and you feel like you have no one in your corner supporting you.

It’s so frustrating to be in a situation like this, and unfortunately it can happen with anyone. One day you wake up and realize that this person isn’t bringing any good to your life. They carry a negative energy around with them and it really takes a toll on you. You find yourself becoming unhappy whenever they’re around. Before you know it, you find yourself coming up with every excuse in the book to justify what’s happening, but you can’t fight it. This person isn’t going to benefit you in the long run and they really don’t deserve a spot in your life.

I know leaving any relationship is difficult, and sometimes we refuse to let go of what’s hurting us because we’re afraid. We aren’t sure how we can dissolve a friendship with someone who has been in our lives for a few years and we hesitate. We get so scared that losing this person may cause some hostility when we see them in public or even between our mutual friends. We worry that, if we cut them out, we will feel a sense of being alone. We question ourselves and we start to wonder, What if I regret it? What if I’m making a mistake and this person isn’t really that bad?

Even though you have a thousand thoughts racing through your head and a hundred doubts, never be unsure of yourself. Trust your gut. If you think something’s wrong, chances are something’s wrong. You have to understand that you are being hurt and that nothing is going to change unless you do something about it -- and it’s OK.

It’s OK to outgrow people. It’s OK to realize you deserve more. It’s OK to cut people out of your life because they really aren’t as great as you once thought they were, and it’s OK to let go. Letting go of people who do not support who you are or help you grow is an important part of self-love. You need to take care of yourself, and that means being strong and putting yourself above others. It’s disappointing when you realize that a friendship isn’t working out the way you wished it would, but it’s essential to distance yourself from someone who is acting up.

Cleansing your life of toxicity is the best thing you can do for yourself. Once you cut ties with all the negativity you are surrounded by, you will be so much happier. It’s not easy to do and it definitely doesn’t happen overnight, but as soon as you learn to let go, you will breathe a sigh of relief.

Good friends are so vital to your happiness. Create room for those who can inspire and encourage you. Spend your time with those who allow you to be yourself and accept your crazy antics and weirdness. Fill your life with people who are there for you at 3 a.m., who pick you up in the middle of the night to go to Wendy’s and pig out and who love and support you no matter what. Immerse yourself in a world of positivity and be happy. You deserve it.