How To Dump A Friend

Step 1: How To Do It

There are several ways you can do this. How much the friend you are about to dump has annoyed you will determine whether you do it gently or just let rip.

Step 2: Start Avoiding Her

If you and your friend have grown apart, and you feel like the friendship has simply run its natural course, you can let her down gently. Don't answer the phone when she rings you, if she leaves a message don't call her back immediately, and when she suggests meeting up, make an excuse. If you continue to do this, she should eventually get the message and stop trying. However, she may well ask you why you're avoiding her, and you'll have to be ready to tell her the truth, or to lie and insist that you really are busy.

Step 3: Write A Letter

If you genuinely don't want this person in your life, it's best to write her a letter that does not elicit a response. In it, you let her know that you're leaving her life. You don't point fingers. You could say something like, "Obviously, our friendship is shifting, and I didn't want to just disappear. I've decided this is what I need to do." Celebrate the good times and thank her for them. But make it clear it's not negotiable.

At the end of the day, she gets confirmation that the friendship is over. Up to that point, she's had only hints. You get the feeling you've had closure, and not just slipped out of her life. If you want to be as fair to your ex-friend as possible, this is the way to dump her.

Step 4: If You're Part Of A Group

Bear in mind that if you are part of a group of friends, it becomes more complicated. Your other friends may want to remain friends with the one you've dumped, and this could be really awkward. You must be prepared for the fact that, as it's been your decision, you may have to be the one to leave the group.

Step 5: Say It To Her Face

It may be that your friend has done something unforgivable - perhaps she slept with your boyfriend (or tried to), or she's been mouthing off about you to all and sundry. This is when you can let rip with no holds barred, In public, preferably, and in front of as many people as possible, you can expose her nasty cheating ways, tell her to go to hell, and that you never want to see or hear from her lousy, ugly, useless mug again, and that you hope the rest of her life is full of misery, loneliness and pain. Who needs enemies with friends like that?