Take their advice with a grain of salt.
This means that I constantly needed advice about how to navigate such new environments.
Sometimes, its better to just trust your gut and move along.
Photo by Daiga Ellaby via Unsplash
Talk about your relationship as minimally as possible.
As soon as discussions with a friend become relationship advice sessions and date breakdowns, your friendship becomes vulnerable.
You never know what could lead to disagreements, jealousy, or judgments.
I didnt need their input nor their validation, and neither do you.
Never switch plans at the last minute.
I advise that you pay close attention to this as well, especially if you have a significant other.
They may become bitter and angry rightfully so, sometimes.
The point here is: once you make your plans, they should be set in stone.
Never say anything remotely negative about anyone behind their back.
Growing up, my dad would constantly repeat one phrase to my sister and me.
Needless to say, I failed at recognizing the importance of the latter.
Dont get me wrong: Im not a gossip.
As much as I enjoy a good tea-spill, I dont enjoy talking shit.
But unfortunately, sometimes I say things I should really keep to myself.
Heres the thing: words get twistedall the time.
Recognize and mentally take note of ALL the red flags you see.
This particular friendship fallout was definitely warranted.
But I swept these instances under the rug, because I thought the good outweighed the bad.
Remember that noting the red flags does not equal pessimism.
Is it not a big enough deal to change anything about the friendship?
Does it mean that you should keep them at an arms distance?
Or perhaps you should refrain from sharing an aspect of your life with them from now on?
Acknowledge when the friendship is beyond repair.
Unfortunately, some friendships just dont work out.
So, once youve reached the last straw, its time to acknowledge it.
In other words, is this a make-or-break issue?
Is this worth ending our friendship?
If someone hurts you deeply, it may not be worth keeping them in your life.
Know that its definitely sad to lose a friend, but its likely that youll be happier without them.
