Dr. Laura Blog

Letting go of a friend isn’t always an easy decision, but it can be a very healthy one. Not every friendship is meant to last forever. Here are 6 signs that enough is enough:

1. Your friendship gives you constant anxiety. Friendships are ultimately meant to be pleasurable, not uncomfortable and worrisome. If the negative stuff is happening more frequently than the positive, it’s time to consider moving on.

2. Your friend is always trying to compete. Friends are supposed to be supportive and encouraging.

3. Your friend doesn’t bring anything to the table. Every friend in your life should offer something different, like a beautiful garden with different flowers.  

4. Your friendship is lopsided. Friendships are supposed to be reciprocal. Sure, there are times in each of your lives when things turn to crap and you simply can’t be there. But if you have someone in your life who always takes and never gives, that’s not a friend - that’s a leech.

5. Your friend is controlling. Everything shouldn’t always be about what your friend thinks or wants. Don’t become an inanimate object because your friend is always calling the shots.

6. You feel bad after you get together. Interacting with your friend should add to your feeling of well-being, not detract from it.