How to Let Friends Go

Losing a cherished friend can be one of the most painful experiences in one's life. Here are some tips to make it easier.

Step 1: Avoid getting into an accusatory mode. Take full responsibility for your decision to end the relationship.
Step 2: Prepare and rehearse a script for ending the friendship. That way you will be clear to yourself about why you are ending it, and less likely to harbor regrets later on.
FACT: The hugely successful TV sitcom "Friends" ran for 10 years between 1994 and 2004.
Step 3: Do not end the relationship in anger. If you are angry, take time to get over it first.
TIP: The time to be up-front and honest with your friend is _before_ the relationship breaks up -- not when it is ending.
TIP: If you have only had a minor quarrel, you may want to consider a temporary separation instead.
Step 4: Ask yourself whether there is really any reason to end the friendship. Maybe you can just see your friend less frequently.
Step 5: Consider letting the friendship wither on the vine if it isn't very close to start with. Make up a lie that you are busy with other matters and can't spend time with them now.
Step 6: Be sure you want to end the friendship. Take the decision to end a close relationship slowly.

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