How do I step away from a friendship without hurting my friend’s feelings?: Ask Dr. Julie Hanks

In this episode I talk with Sarah and answer the question “How can I step away from a friendship without hurting my friend’s feelings?” Sarah feels like it is time to distance herself from both a group of friends and an individual friend because the relationships are no longer helpful in her life.

It’s hard to break up with a friend without hurting their feelings. I invite Sarah to think about the fact that their hurt feelings are theirs to process; she is not responsible for their reaction. Sarah can be sensitive, reassure her friends, and explain things if she wants to. But she cannot prevent them from feeling pain. Part of this hard conversation is going to involve her being honest and sensitive while also allowing her friends to experience their own feelings.