how do i handle/let go of a toxic friend?
i’m asking around for advice. i’ve never purposely shut anyone out of my life before, and i am afraid to.
Hi love! The best thing I've found to do in this situation is the following:
Don't reach out. Out of sight, out of mind.
If they ask to hang out, let them know you're busy.
When they start to notice and get confrontational, you need to decide whether you think an acquaintance-level friend or not is salvageable.
If you believe so, you can let them know that certain things they did felt like a boundary violation and you're taking space (this route assumes they're a healthy person, and you are just incompatible friends).
If they're actually a toxic friend, let them know that you're busy attending to other things (work, school, family, health/self-related things – nothing too specific). Make it a clear "it's a me thing" type of distancing.
Over time, the friendship will fade out. If they persist, let them know that their anger is not welcomed and you're now very uncomfortable, so you think it's best to part ways – wish them well. Block them if necessary, especially if things escalate to this stage.
Hope this helps xx
