What do I do if a friend treats me rudely and passive aggressive?

[Anonymous]

I do not really consider him as a friend anymore due to this behaviour, we have the same friend group but I do not hang around them much due to the previous reason. We play games together and it got to the point where he started being very mean and bossy towards me. I told him off and said to not treat me like an assistant as I know how to play the game and what to do, but he gets mad and says you can't do one thing and all this other stuff. It got to the point where he ruined the experience of one of my favourite games and I had enough and left him by himself.

After that incident, he has invited me to play the game, but I play for 15 minutes and leave. He has started making sarcastic comments like "whaaaat, you are playing?". Mind you, I started playing with another group of friends because his attitude was awful, he found out because he can see what I am playing. I told him I was playing with another group to get better at the game but he didn't take my words for it.

Anyway, long story short I am tired of his sarcastic attitude, and he overall behaviour towards me. I had told him once and he still does it and says I am bad at the game and laughs at me for doing something wrong in his eyes.

I have tried backing away from him but he still tries to talk to me occasionally, what should I do?

[Anonymous]

Is this some online friend from discord or another gaming platform? You guys all game together? If so just ignore the guy. It’s a bit tougher if these are in person interactions but if you can avoid him I would. No need to put yourself through verbal and mental abuse for a video game person you’d probably never be friends with irl.

[Asker]

It is, we met a year ago online due to another game and we have a big friend group. I don't hang out with that friend group anymore because he is there a lot. If I am there he ignores me, but I know he talks badly about me because in the past he has also spoken about other people that way too. He is really a horrible person at the end of the day. But thanks! And luckily it is all online

[Opinion Owner]

Gosh, I remember dealing with someone like that back in my gaming days and it really sucked, especially within the same friend group. All I can imagine is his life outside of the game is shitty, so he takes it out on who he can online since he can’t control it IRL. Sadly he’s picked you as his punching bag but if I were you I just wouldn’t tolerate it anymore. It’s just easily avoidable and not worth drama or additional thought.

[Anonymous]

It's important to prioritize your well-being and set boundaries with people who treat you poorly. Consider having a honest and calm conversation with your friend, expressing how their behavior has been affecting you and that you need some space. If the behavior continues, you may need to distance yourself further and focus on spending time with those who treat you with respect. It's okay to prioritize your own mental health and enjoyment of activities.

[Asker]

Thank you! I honestly had enough, I have tried to keep my distance from him, but he seems to think it is ok to treat me this way and chat like it's normal, but it isn't normal. He used to be the opposite and very good. Now his this and I really despise him.

[Anonymous]

He doesn’t sound like a friend. He sounds like a hater. If you have the choice, stop playing with him.

[Asker]

True, I will never understand his behaviour but I need to get rid of him

[ThrillSeeker01]

Just block him and ignore him