After someone dies, you find more comfort in some friends and not in others.
If you lost a parent or sibling, maybe you’re suddenly extremely annoyed by a friend who only complains about how they wish their mom or dad or younger brother would just leave them alone. This could a huge indicator that you may have to put space between your friend and yourself.
Here’s how to assess if you need to take a break from your friend:
(1) Pinpoint what about your friend is bothering you. Is it everything? Is it just when they talk about one specific thing? If it’s just one specific thing maybe there’s a way to stay friends, while approaching your friend about this one thing you’re just not cool about hearing.
(2) Talk to your friend. Before deciding if you really need a break or not, try to talk to your friend. If in #1 you realized that what annoys you is him or her talking nonstop about how much he/she hates the ‘rentals, maybe ask if there’s a way she/he can mention them less. Especially if it makes you sad or uncomfortable.
(3) Ask yourself, has a change happened? Did a change happen after you talked to your friend? Was it a positive change or a negative one? Answering this question as honestly as possible is incredibly important because if it’s negative then you have to go on to #4.
(4) Take a break from your friend. Sometimes the best thing you can do (even when it hurts) is to put space between you and your friend. If the majority of her/his life right now revolves around talking about something that you’re just not cool hearing about, that’s fine for them. You can’t change them, but you can change the friendship dynamic. Take a few steps back and let them have their space, while you take yours.
Friendship breaks are as hard as taking breaks from your significant other, but if it comes down to you being at peace and healthy then it’s totally worth it.
Image: WeHeartIt
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