There are many articles that tell you the signs of a toxic friendship and how to get out of them, but there seem to be none on how to live with or cope with one. While this may not sound like the best idea to some people, many people who are in toxic friendships feel they are unable to get out in fear of breaking up a friend group or causing more drama than its worth. So this article is for the ones out there who feel a little trapped.
- Take a step back– This person may still be a part of your friend group but they do not have to be the center of your life. Don’t put in the extra effort into hanging out with them, sticking to group activities will ensure you have someone around if things start going down hill.
- Communication– You may not need to be best friends with them, but keeping communication open and civil will improve the situation you are in. It will keep the level of drama to a minimum and will ensure some level of happiness.
- Don’t tell them secrets- Part of friendship is trusting them with your secrets and knowing they will take it with them to the grave, if you feel your toxic friend is untrustworthy, don’t give them anything to use against you or something to hold over your head.
- Find a neutral hangout- Chose a space where you can leave if you need to, by this I mean a cafe, a park or some other public space. Try to avoid your own house because your ability to leave your own house or kick them out without causing drama is low. If a public space isn’t available, hangout at their house or one of your other friends houses where you know you can leave from.
- Excuses Excuses Excuses– Have an excuse you can use to get yourself out of a situation where you feel under attack by your toxic friend. Weather it is that you have to go pick up your sibling, you need to walk your dog, or your parent needs you home. Don’t over think it, if you feel the need to get out of a situation use an excuse and don’t look back.
- Best friend- Like many friend groups, there are best friends within it. Two or three people in the group might be closer than others in the group, if that is so in your group and you are best friends with them let them know what is happening. Telling your best friend that you feel attacked by a certain person or are unhappy because of another person in the group can make a difference. They can back you up when you need it and give you some one to tell your true feelings to without causing group drama.
