6  Ending friendships

⚠️ This book is generated by AI, the content may not be 100% accurate.

6.1 Ending friendships by ghosting

📖 Ghosting is a term used to describe abruptly cutting off all contact with someone without any explanation.

6.1.1 item Ghosting is never okay and should be avoided at all costs.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • While ghosting is generally not recommended, there may be certain situations where it is the safest or most appropriate option.
• explanation:
  • Ghosting can be a valid way to end a friendship if you feel unsafe, threatened, or unable to communicate your feelings directly. It is important to prioritize your own well-being and safety.

6.1.2 item Ghosting is a cowardly and immature way to end a friendship.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Ghosting may not always be the most mature or respectful way to end a friendship, but it can be an effective way to protect oneself from further harm.
• explanation:
  • Ghosting can be a protective measure when dealing with toxic or abusive individuals. It allows you to distance yourself from the situation without putting yourself at risk.

6.1.3 item Ghosting is always a sign that the friendship was not important to the ghoster.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Ghosting can be a symptom of unresolved emotions, trauma, or other personal struggles that may have nothing to do with the value of the friendship.
• explanation:
  • Ghosting can be a way of coping with difficult emotions or situations. It does not necessarily mean that the friendship was not valued, but rather that the person may not have the capacity to handle the ending in a healthier way.

6.1.4 item Ghosting is only done by bad or toxic people.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Ghosting can be a symptom of a variety of factors, including mental health issues, social anxiety, or past traumatic experiences.
• explanation:
  • Ghosting is not always a reflection of a person’s character. It can be a result of complex psychological factors that may not be readily apparent.

6.1.5 item Ghosting is a permanent ending to a friendship.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • In some cases, ghosting can lead to a temporary or permanent end of a friendship, but it is also possible for the relationship to be repaired or rekindled in the future.
• explanation:
  • Ghosting does not always have to be the final chapter in a friendship. If both parties are willing to communicate and understand each other’s perspectives, it may be possible to reconcile.

6.2 Ending friendships due to betrayal

📖 Betrayal can come in many forms, such as breaking a promise, lying, or spreading rumors.

6.2.1 item Betrayal is always unforgivable.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • While betrayal can be painful, it is not always an unforgivable offense. People make mistakes.
• explanation:
  • Forgiveness is a complex process, but it can be an important step in moving on from a betrayal. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning the betrayal, but rather letting go of the anger and resentment that can hold you back.

6.2.2 item You can always trust your gut instinct about someone you just met.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • While your gut instinct can sometimes be helpful, it is important to remember that it is not always right.
• explanation:
  • Getting to know someone takes time. Don’t make snap judgments about someone based on your first impression. Give them a chance to show you who they really are.

6.2.3 item If someone betrays you once, they will do it again.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • While it is true that some people are more likely to betray than others, it is not always the case.
• explanation:
  • People can change. If someone betrays you, it does not mean that they will do it again. Give them a chance to prove themselves.

6.2.4 item Ending a friendship is always easy.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Ending a friendship is never easy, but it can be necessary.
• explanation:
  • If a friendship is no longer healthy or supportive, it may be time to end it. However, this can be a difficult decision to make.

6.2.5 item You should never let someone know that you ended a friendship with them.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • While it is not always necessary to tell someone that you have ended a friendship with them, it can be helpful in some cases.
• explanation:
  • If you think that the person will be upset or confused by your decision, it may be helpful to talk to them about it. This can help to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

6.3 Ending friendships due to conflict

📖 Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but it can sometimes lead to the end of a friendship.

6.3.1 item Conflict is always a sign that a friendship is doomed.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Conflict can be a sign that a friendship is healthy, as it shows that both friends are willing to be honest with each other and work through their problems.
• explanation:
  • Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, and it can actually be a sign that a friendship is healthy. This is because conflict shows that both friends are willing to be honest with each other and work through their problems. However, if conflict is constant or if it is not resolved in a healthy way, it can lead to the end of a friendship.

6.3.2 item It’s always better to end a friendship on good terms.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Sometimes it’s necessary to end a friendship on bad terms in order to protect yourself.
• explanation:
  • While it is always ideal to end a friendship on good terms, it is not always possible. Sometimes it is necessary to end a friendship on bad terms in order to protect yourself. This may be the case if your friend has been abusive, manipulative, or toxic. In these cases, it is important to put your own well-being first and end the friendship, even if it means doing so on bad terms.

6.3.3 item Friends should always be there for each other, no matter what.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • It’s okay to have boundaries in friendships, and it’s not always possible to be there for each other 100% of the time.
• explanation:
  • While it is important to be there for your friends when they need you, it is also important to have boundaries in friendships. This means that you should not be expected to be available to your friends 24/7. It is also important to remember that your friends may not always be able to be there for you, and that’s okay. True friends will understand and forgive you. Friendships are constantly evolving. There may be times when you and your friend grow apart, and that’s okay. It’s important to let go of friendships that are no longer serving you and to make new friends who are a better fit for your life.

6.3.4 item If you have a falling out with a friend, you should never speak to them again.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • It’s possible to repair a friendship after a falling out, but it takes time and effort.
• explanation:
  • While it is sometimes necessary to end a friendship after a falling out, it is not always the best course of action. If you value the friendship, it is worth trying to repair it. However, it is important to remember that repairing a friendship takes time and effort. It is also important to be patient and understanding.

6.3.5 item Friendships are always equal.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Friendships can be unequal, and that’s okay.
• explanation:
  • While it is ideal for friendships to be equal, this is not always the case. Sometimes one friend may be more invested in the friendship than the other. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as both friends are happy with the arrangement. However, it can lead to problems if one friend starts to feel taken for granted. It is important to be aware of the different levels of investment in a friendship and to communicate your needs to your friend.

6.4 Ending friendships due to change

📖 As people grow and change, their friendships may also change or end.

6.4.1 item Ending friendships is always painful and difficult.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Ending friendships can be challenging, but it’s not always painful or difficult.
• explanation:
  • While it can be difficult to end a friendship, it’s not always painful or traumatic. Sometimes, friendships end naturally as people grow and change, or they may end mutually with a sense of gratitude and respect.

6.4.2 item True friends will never change.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Friendships can change and evolve as people grow and change.
• explanation:
  • As people grow and change, so do their friendships. It’s natural for friendships to evolve and change over time, and it’s not necessarily a sign of a bad friendship.

6.4.3 item It’s always better to stay in a friendship, even if it’s not healthy.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • It’s okay to end friendships that are no longer healthy or supportive.
• explanation:
  • While it can be difficult to end a friendship, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to let go of friendships that are no longer healthy or supportive.

6.4.4 item Ending a friendship means you’ve failed.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Ending a friendship is not a failure, it’s a sign of growth and change.
• explanation:
  • Ending a friendship can be a difficult decision, but it’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that you’re growing and changing, and that your friendships are evolving too.

6.4.5 item You should always try to salvage a friendship, even if it’s not working.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Sometimes, it’s best to let go of friendships that are no longer working.
• explanation:
  • While it’s important to try to work through problems in a friendship, sometimes it’s best to let go. If a friendship is no longer working, it’s okay to end it.

6.5 Ending friendships due to distance

📖 Distance can make it difficult to maintain a friendship, especially if the friends live far apart.

6.5.1 item Friendships that are built to last will survive any distance.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • While some friendships can withstand distance, it’s unrealistic to expect all friendships to do so.
• explanation:
  • Distance can put a significant strain on friendships, making it difficult to maintain the same level of connection and intimacy. Factors such as time differences, differing schedules, and lack of physical proximity can make it challenging to stay in regular contact and nurture the friendship.

6.5.2 item Maintaining a long-distance friendship is all about constant communication.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • While communication is important, it’s not the only factor in maintaining a long-distance friendship.
• explanation:
  • Constant communication can be overwhelming and put pressure on both parties. Instead, it’s important to establish a communication pattern that works for both individuals, allowing for meaningful conversations and quality interactions without feeling obligated to be constantly connected.

6.5.3 item If you don’t hear from your long-distance friend for a while, it means they don’t care about you.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Lack of communication doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of care or value in a friendship.
• explanation:
  • Long-distance friendships may face periods of less frequent communication due to various factors such as busy schedules, personal issues, or time zone differences. Instead of assuming disinterest, it’s important to communicate openly about expectations and understanding that friendships can ebb and flow over time.

6.5.4 item Ending a long-distance friendship is always painful and dramatic.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Ending long-distance friendships can be amicable and mutually beneficial.
• explanation:
  • Just as friendships can begin and evolve, they can also end for various reasons. Long-distance friendships may naturally fade over time due to changing circumstances, and it’s important to acknowledge and accept that it’s not always a negative or hurtful experience.

6.5.5 item Distance can completely destroy a close friendship.

• better_alternative_belief:
  • Distance can challenge a friendship, but it doesn’t necessarily have to destroy it.
• explanation:
  • With effort and commitment, long-distance friendships can adapt and thrive. Technology, such as video calls and messaging, can help bridge the gap and facilitate meaningful connections. Additionally, planned visits and in-person interactions can help maintain the bond and create lasting memories.