Advice on Ending a Friendship

Reasons people may want to terminate a friendship are basically endless. In some cases, as a friendship progresses, the individuals involved may begin to change or "show their true colors." It's not uncommon for these changes to be received by the other friend in a negative manor.

When this happens for what ever reason and it has been decided saving the friendship just isn't possible or is pointless, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to end it. Though there is not easy way of going through with this, but ending it with different phases is much better than just cutting things off suddenly.

Since you've reached this point, obviously there is/are serious reason or reasons for you decision. It's important to have a designated meeting with the friend so that you and the friend can have a final review of the situation. Bring up the errors or flaws in the relationship. And don't be afraid to take a firm stand on your behalf, state the facts. However, if you are unable do any of those and you are primarily basing the decision on minor irritating or annoying habit's the friend possesses, consider these two possibilities. Either your just need to look over them and maybe let the friend know he or she does something you don't like, or the friendship isn't very valuable because your just looking for a way out. If that last one is the case, well, this article is for ending friendships that have depth and/or history. Look else where.

If possible, arrange the meeting in an isolated or low populated area, this will help with everyone being themselves and cut down on distractions. An isolated place also prevents the situation from turning into a public bashing of one another.

Prior to the meeting, have a strong idea of what you will be saying. This doesn't mean memorize every word, just the over all main ideas and issues you want to address. When finally the time has come, get straight to the point. Acting fast will lessen the climatic build up, in which a you could perhaps have second thoughts, or forget what you wanted to make sure you want your friend to hear.

Remember when doing this that making it more swift than drown out is strongly suggested. It's important however, to spend enough time with your explanation so that somewhat of a good discussion can be held and both of you can be heard. In other words, make it long enough that you both get your two cents in, but not short enough that your basically firing off accusations and criticism.

In the situation that your friend becomes upset and wants to turn this discussion into a argument, try your very best to not cause a dramatic scene. Reassure the friend you were not intending on a hostile or aggravated encounter, but an understanding or just one rather. But, a situation such as that can be a perfect time to get that heavy burden off you chest. Just be prepared for anything if the situation presents itself.

Once everyone has stated their opinion and the final withdrawals are made, do not give into any to emotions or last regrets you are likely to have. This is just you reaching to the reality of the situation. Remember just what all you've gone through to get to this point. Remember you mind was already made up for a good reason.

Despite everything, ensure yourself you did all you could to maintain the friendship and after a lot of work ending it was still inevitable.