You were great friends, or so it seemed. But lately all those fun times and shared dreams seem to be taking a back seat to the toxic nature of your friendship. Here’s how to get rid of a toxic friend and why it’s for the best. Image Courtesy: Micaela Kriel @art.swg.co.za

1. Try to take a day (or week!) without them
If they’re always in your space, the distance can be good for you to think about what they really bring to your life and how you feel when they’re not around.

2. So… how do you feel?  
Does your friend dish you a lot of put-downs? A lot of guilt when you hang out with others? The feeling that you’re not worthy enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough? More than what people say or do, it’s really how they make you feel that goes the distance. So think about how you feel when you’re around your friend and take an objective, honest look at them.

3. How to kick ‘em to the curb
If you want to end the friendship with a toxic person properly instead of just disappearing, tell them how you feel but don’t allow yourself to get dragged back into the friendship. Toxic friends are star manipulators: they’ll probably try turn the tables and make you feel that you’re a bad friend! To avoid this drama, tell them in non-emotional terms that you’d rather go your separate ways. But remember: you don’t even have to give an explanation. You could easily just start screening their calls and politely be too busy to hang out with them. They’ll get the hint eventually and you’ll feel lighter and brighter!