5 Healthy Ways To Handle A Toxic Friendship
By Michael Cerreto
Having a toxic friendship can be challenging, but it's crucial for your mental health and overall well-being that you manage it in healthy ways. Here are five good ways to handle this situation:
Communicate Clearly and Directly: Talk openly with your friend about how you feel. Use "I" statements to explain your side without making them feel attacked. For example, you could say, "I feel really tired when we only talk about negative stuff, and there's no room for my own issues."
Set Boundaries: If you're not ready to end the friendship, consider setting clear boundaries. Figure out what you can't put up with anymore and let your friend know. For example, you could say, "I need to take a step back from conversations that stress me out, so let's avoid certain topics from now on."
Gradual Withdrawal: Slowly reduce the time and energy you invest in the friendship. This reduction can include declining invitations more often, being less available for calls or texts, and not initiating contact.
Seek Support: Talk to other friends or a therapist about your the friendship. They can offer you perspective, support, and guidance as you navigate ending the friendship.
Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize your mental health by engaging in activities that promote well-being. This focus can help you cope with negative emotions from ending the friendship.
When ending a toxic friendship, it is essential to be respectful and considerate, even if you feel wronged. The goal is to protect your well-being, not to create additional conflict.
References
Lancer, D. (2017). How to End a Toxic Friendship. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-end-a-toxic-friendship
Raypole, C. (2020). How to End a Friendship. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-end-a-friendship
Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2020). How to End a Friendship. HelpGuide. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/how-to-end-a-friendship.htm
Tartakovsky, M. (2018). 5 Ways to End a Toxic Friendship. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-ways-to-end-a-toxic-friendship
