What is the healthiest way to end a friendship respectfully?

[beenherebefore]

Do you just distance from them and never talk to them ever again or do you tell them why you no longer wish to be friends with them?

[jennifer_bloom]

I had a friend I had known for 18 years just ghost me with no word or explanation and I would say, that is not the ideal way to end a friendship unless they treated you poorly and clearly deserve that response. I would say, outlining the reasons, you no longer want to be friends, usinngformal words, when you want to avoid offensive details that could trigger them, and maybe laying your concerns out in an email so they can remember everything you said. You do not have to be heroic or spectacular in how you express your reasons. You just have to be honest but gentle.

[performerwannabe]

I have done it all. I think when I explained it they got clarity on why I did it. When I didn't they guessed and they made me out to be the bad guy like oh I forgot her birthday and that's why she stopped talking to me. Like no, you only ever remembered I existed when you needed something from me. But it doesn't eat at me at all, they both have the same result.

[Zack-Bann]

If it’s just a friendship I would say distance works fine


I’ve drifted away from a bunch of friends over the years
And a few drifted away from me as well.


There’s no hard feelings or ill will.
But if we can’t be a positive in one another’s life then might as well move on.

[Hunter-40m]

I ended most of my frrienships with quarrel and by saying what I needed to say to make them understand my point of ending it clearly it May not be healthy way of doing it but it provides a complete solution for removing germs and toxical elements in your life

[ohsheeT]

I think when most people mess up they know they did if they are honest with themselves if it was kinda an accident LOL or if the intentionally meant to hurt you then I would just distance myself they already know what they did and then if you ever run into each other and if they want to know tell them otherwise just adios amigos

[beenherebefore]

I’m not sure they know why as there were no argument or misunderstanding. I didn’t like that they had strong opinions on my Partner and our views and values in life don’t fully align and I do not wish to maintain the friendship.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

The healthiest way is to do it with the least amount possible of damage. For both parties. The intent looks nice but results aren't really guaranteed lol

In recollection, I seem to proceed the Solid Snake way, slowly disappearing from the scene, under my cardboard box.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Oh but one time I did it the cold, blunt and final way. I was young and really really pissed.

[beenherebefore]

I've tried doing that as well but they just don't get it. Every now and then they text me inviting for lunch or dinner which I always deny but they don't get that I no longer want to hang out with them. I no longer initiate conversations or check on them and they still don't get it. I understand it can be confusing because there was no argument or any type of conflict.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Yep, that method doesn't work with people really attached to you and I think it's expected, to an extent

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

People attached to you, or much worse, people with lack of self awareness, as they won't get the memo, ever

[Lliam]

I simply back away, don't initiate contact and, when there is contact, I am polite but don't engage much in conversation.

[beenherebefore]

That's what I do but they still invite me to hang out and despite me always refusing they still insist.

[Lliam]

I would simply say "No thanks." And if they kept insisting, I would say "I'm not interested, okay?"
Eventually they would get the message.

[ManOnFire]

Both situations can work. You can slowly distance yourself and they will sense your silence and get the message. Or they may wonder why you became distant and ask you, and that can be your opportunity to say why you don't think you should be friends anymore.

[bobalife]

It depends on the situation and how toxic it is.
Sometimes, you can let them know if you think it requires a conversation and your own closure
Other times, it’s okay to slowly fade them out or just don’t keep in contact.
Nothing will ever feels good, but do what you feel is right for you.

[molonski2]

I think it's extremely difficult to try and make a declaration , I think just let it fade , and if it's really toxic just cut them off..

I've done this a few times in life , it's never easy but if it's dragging you down they are not a friend anyhow ,
my reasons where I had a break ties with a group ( many to cut off ) due to substance abuse , and another Bipolar long term " friend " ( inverted very relevant ) as the association was disturbing me.

[DryGermanGuy]

Had to distance myself from a destructive alcoholic. I told him until he gets his life in order I won’t be around anymore. Apparently, he is still drinking and raging. 🙄

[CriminallyInsane]

It's best to tell them and tell them why so they know

[Jennz6]

@criminallyinsane
I agree with you, don’t leave them hanging

[queenofcardio]

Sometimes creating distance can work, and it can slowly fizzle out without discussing it.

[RingOfFire]

It depends on why you are ending it. In some cases you might want to tell them and in others not.

[Marissa4]

Tell them you can no longer hang out with them.

[rachel776]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/x24vckb3hKk

friends

[LC75LC71]

There is none. The health comes in ending what further damage could come.

[kaucky1]

Just disappear change your look or both change look vessals hollow firmour (zipper) another VeSsaL inside

[robocop666]

just say nothing its the polite fashion. however I will no longer be polite at this age.

[Sweetdreams1950]

To say that you don’t want to talk anymore.

[exitseven]

I just dtop hanging out with them.

[beenherebefore]

What if they keep inviting you and they just don't get you no longer want to hang out with them.

[Jeff51]

Don't contact them

[beenherebefore]

I don't! I even tried ignoring their messages but I always get the double text and multiple invites.

[beefcakebradybatson]

Say,"FYITA?"

[Godihateyou]

Lend them money. You'll never see them again.

[Anonymous]

Politely explain your reasons.

[WhitneySnow]

Tell them