Tag: letting go

When Someone Has An Emotional Problem: Does That Change The Rules of Friendship?

Published: August 31, 2021 | Last Updated: August 24, 2022 By | 18 Replies Continue Reading
When Someone Has An Emotional Problem: Does That Change The Rules of Friendship?

A woman is worn out from dealing with a friend with an emotional problem and asks for advice on what to do.

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Letting go of a best friend isn’t easy

Published: December 8, 2012 | Last Updated: December 8, 2012 By | 7 Replies Continue Reading

A month ago, my friend sent me an email out of nowhere saying that she no longer wanted to be friends anymore, that this was goodbye.

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How can I peacefully end a relationship with a needy friend?

Published: September 29, 2012 | Last Updated: April 2, 2016 By | 30 Replies Continue Reading

It’s never easy to end a relationship with a needy friend. You can only try your best.

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Letting go of old friendships is never easy

Published: March 5, 2012 | Last Updated: December 21, 2016 By | 6 Replies Continue Reading

It’s always hard to give up on a friendship, especially old friendships that have a long history and childhood memories.

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Friends: From almost-sisters to almost strangers

Published: April 13, 2011 | Last Updated: April 15, 2011 By | 14 Replies Continue Reading

QUESTION Dear Irene, My best friend of 18 years always called me "the sister she never had". We live in the same city and used to talk on the phone at least 5 to 10 times a day and got together frequently. About two years ago she and her husband began divorce proceedings. I tried […]

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Friendship by the Book: ‘Dump ‘Em’ by Jodyne L. Speyer

Published: November 10, 2010 | Last Updated: August 9, 2022 By | 4 Replies Continue Reading

It’s never easy to end a relationship—whether it’s with a hairstylist, babysitter, boss, lover or a friend. That’s because we get attached to the people who play starring roles in our lives and breaking up invokes a range of emotions—including guilt, disappointment, sadness, anger and fear of the potential consequences.   This is a pretty […]

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Letting go of a toxic friendship—-gently

Published: July 29, 2010 | Last Updated: July 21, 2022 By | 20 Replies Continue Reading

How do you back away from an unhealthy friendship without hurting someone’s feelings?

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5 Ways To Improve Your Friendships in 2010

Published: January 3, 2010 | Last Updated: January 3, 2010 By | 10 Replies Continue Reading

Whether it’s the occasion of a birthday or an anniversary, or the passing of another year or of another decade, it’s human nature to periodically take stock of things. Turning the page on the calendar means looking back and looking forward, which often brings into bold relief those aspects of our lives where we think […]

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Reader Q & A: Unable to let go

Published: February 22, 2009 | Last Updated: February 22, 2009 By | 4 Replies Continue Reading

QUESTION: Dear Irene, About a year and a half ago I broke up with a friend and I’m still not over it. I was hoping you could offer some insight. I’ve known this girl since 6th grade when she stopped speaking to me over some boy. We became friends again in 7th grade but she […]

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Reader Q & A: The sadness of letting go

Published: December 3, 2008 | Last Updated: December 3, 2008 By | 2 Replies Continue Reading

QUESTION Dear Irene,   I’m so glad that I happened upon this website. I’ve been struggling with my relationship with my long-time, former-best-friend Linda. It’s been a gradual deterioration over the last couple of years and a long grieving process. I’m trying to figure out if this friendship is worth salvaging or if I just […]

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