Q&A for How to Get Rid of a Bad Friend

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Is it OK to break off a friendship?

Mary Church, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Mary Church is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over a decade of clinical experience, she aims to integrate evolution, genetics, and neuroscience within the practice of psychotherapy. Dr. Church holds a BS in Psychology from Eckerd College and an MS and PhD in Experimental Psychology from The University of Memphis. She completed a Post-Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The University of Hawaii at Manoa. In addition, Dr. Church is a member of the American Evaluation Association and Hawaii-Pacific Evaluation Association.

Mary Church, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

Absolutely! In life, we are all solo travelers, and sometimes our paths happen to intersect with other people's. It's okay to go your separate ways while still celebrating the good times you had with that person.

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Question

How do you end a friendship without feeling bad?

Mary Church, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Mary Church is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over a decade of clinical experience, she aims to integrate evolution, genetics, and neuroscience within the practice of psychotherapy. Dr. Church holds a BS in Psychology from Eckerd College and an MS and PhD in Experimental Psychology from The University of Memphis. She completed a Post-Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The University of Hawaii at Manoa. In addition, Dr. Church is a member of the American Evaluation Association and Hawaii-Pacific Evaluation Association.

Mary Church, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

It's perfectly okay to feel bad when ending a friendship! Ending any kind of relationship can really mirror the stages of grief—you might be stuck in denial, bargaining, anger, or sorrow for some time. As you process the loss, you can start to learn how to celebrate the good times.

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Question

What can I do if my friend won't listen to me?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

That is even more reason to cut them out of your life. In this case, you may want to send them an email or text to notify them that you no longer want to stay in contact before completely cutting off all contact.

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Question

I have a friend who is very obnoxious and thinks everyone is bullying him when they tell him to stop. He also thinks everyone is his friend and goes to me for help, but also bullies me. How can I help him?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

Confront him directly about his behavior and see if he decides to change in any way before deciding to cut him out. He may not be aware of his own behavior.

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