Have you ever caught yourself wondering if it’s time to cut ties with a friend? Because I sure have. It can be tough to know when a friendship is over, but you know what? I’ve got some solid tips to help you figure that out and what to do next.

Let’s dive right into this relationship inventory. It’s pretty simple: you’re going to split your friends into three rows.

First Row Relationships: These are your ride-or-die friends. The ones who’ve got your back, and you’ve got theirs. It’s all about that healthy balance of give and take.

Second Row Relationships: Then there’s this group, bound together by something specific, like a common hobby or our kids being soccer buddies. If that common thread didn’t exist, you probably wouldn’t hang out.

Third Row Relationships: We all have those people we deal with because, well, we kind of have to. They’re the colleagues or relatives that you don’t click with. And remember, anyone who’s treated you badly doesn’t even deserve a spot on your list.

How to Know It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Friend?

Testing Friendships with ‘No’

Here’s my secret weapon: just say no. If you want to see someone’s true colors, tell them you can’t do something for them. It’s like a magic truth serum. Someone who hangs around only for what they can get will throw a fit or just ghost you when the goodies stop coming.

Recognizing Real Intentions

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time, right? So if someone starts acting up when you set boundaries, it’s a pretty clear sign that they’re in it for the wrong reasons. Don’t make excuses for them. It’s time for those people to get the boot.

Where Do We Go from Here with Our Friendships Inventory

Walking through this process made me realize that quality trumps quantity when it comes to friendships. I’d rather have a few people who are truly in it for the long haul than a whole bunch of so-so connections.

And if you need some more advice on this or just want to chat about your own friendship dilemmas, shoot me a message. It really helps to talk this stuff out sometimes. And remember, it’s all about growing a circle of friends who really care about you for who you are, not what you have.

Doing a regular friendship check can bring so much clarity and peace into your life. Trust me, it’s worth the effort to surround yourself with the right kind of people.

See you on the next blog,

Suntia | MSW, LISW-CP Relationship Therapist & Coach