SIGNS OF OUTGROWN FRIENDSHIP
We all have dealt with friendships that took a different turn than usually expected, which can be tough to deal with. Losing the thread of connection with a friend sometimes feels more disturbing than the end of a romantic relationship. If you do not know what it feels like a stagnant friendship, here are some signs that indicate an outgrown friendship
THEY ARE TOO BUSY ALL THE TIME
They never text back. Or maybe they fail to respond to your messages, do not return your calls, or are always BUSY when you want to make plans. Considering that one of the most basic things in friendships is talking to each other about EVERYTHING, having that one friend you simply cannot reach out to is problematic and irritating. But it is very important to know the difference between badly mismatched schedules and a complete lack of interest. In simple words, is this disconnect temporary or permanent?
If your friend is going through a big change, for instance, a new relationship, marriage, baby, divorce, new job, or a big move. Maybe they are genuinely busy. If they are going through tough times, they need some space. A friend would share it with you if it is related to life circumstances. If you consistently keep reaching out and getting zero responses, it is time to stop investing your energy in someone who does not prioritize you.
YOU CRAVE NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Although you can make new friends, also keep the old ones because one is silver and another is gold. The reality is you need both. However, sometimes old friends themselves are not keepers because you have simply grown in different directions. The most beautiful thing about outgrowing a friendship is that it makes a room for other, in fact, better connections. And if you just do not have anything in common anymore? It is OK to leave those friends and find better ones.
YOU DO NOT HAVE MUCH IN COMMON
The only thing you people have in common is the past you shared. Talking about the past can be fun, but your friendships should also support the present and future you, too. Focus on those friends who can change withyou instead of ones that may hold you back in a particular place and time.
YOU KEEP COMPLAINING ABOUT THEM
We are all guilty of judging or criticizing good friends at one point or another. Maybe you vent about a disagreement with them to your family member. But when this friendship is not working anymore, you may notice that you keep complaining about them all the time. Walk away from toxic friendships and relationships that bring out the worst in you because they will not fetch you any good. If they make you feel negative emotions whether it may be an annoyance, frustration, or stress more than positive ones, you might have outgrown that friendship.
YOU DO NOT FEEL SUPPORTED
Good friends are there for you in all the ups and downs of your life. No doubt, it is fun to celebrate each other’s triumphs, but it is critical to be there for the hard times as well. It is the worst feeling when you make an effort to be supportive but you do not feel supported. The bottom line, it must be a two-way street, where both of you are making an effort to care in a way that resonates. If it is not, you know what to do. Just move on.
YOU FEEL DRAINED AND TENSED AFTER TALKING TO THEM
Hanging out with friends must be a fun experience that you both look forward to. But, if you find that these interactions you have with them are constantly leaving you tensed or leave you feeling like a lot of work, then maybe it is time to part ways. Constant unpleasant interactions will inevitably end in hurting and may end with you avoiding them and cutting them off.
YOU CAN NOT BE YOURSELF ANYMORE WHEN YOU ARE WITH THEM
As you outgrow, it is natural that a few aspects of your personality change. If you and your friend are not on the same life path, then one of you may begin to act in a way that is not what the other expects. If you feel you have to pretend to be someone you are not, even if it is someone you used to be, you are no longer compatible with your old friend as you used to be.
THEY HIDE CERTAIN ASPECTS OF LIFE FROM YOU (vice versa)
If you feel that you must not share good news or a life decision with them. Because they are either becoming jealous or judgmental it is time to let this person go. A friend must be supportive. Although being supportive may involve constructive criticism, persistent negativity messes up your emotional and mental health. Some people always try to poke their nose into your personal matters just to enjoy and spread gossip but never share any aspect of their life with you because they are sneaky. Stay away from such toxic gossip queens.
THEY ALWAYS KEEP REJECTING OR IGNORING YOUR IDEAS OR ADVICE
If your friend is going through the same problems repeatedly and they never even try to listen to your advice after months, or years of struggling, it means that your friend does not take your word seriously. Maybe they have a reason why your advice does not work well for them. But your friend should at least tell you that they do not think it will work for them. I had many friends who never listen to my suggestions or sometimes ask for advice and do the exact opposite and in the end, it was their loss. And I attempted to help, I made efforts. I have done my part and I cannot help if my word is not being valued.
