DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN an old school friend got back in touch with me I was delighted, but now I can’t get rid of her.
I want to end the friendship because I’ve realised she’s not a very nice person.
We’re 30-year-old women and were good friends at secondary school.
After we left, we drifted apart and didn’t speak for years.
A few months ago, she contacted me on Facebook, saying she’d moved back to our home town, and that she’d like to meet.
My social life has taken a back seat to my career and motherhood, so I was really pleased to hear from her.
We started meeting for drinks and coffees, and went to a few gigs together.
But I’ve started to dread seeing her.
Get in touch with Deidre
Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.
She’s immature, rude, self-centred and superficial – all she does is gossip.
I’m remembering why we lost contact. How do I dump her?
DEIDRE SAYS: Life is too short to spend time with people who make you unhappy.
Cutting ties can be difficult, but there are ways to do it without causing an argument.
Gradually reduce the amount of interaction you have with her – get too busy to meet and harder to reach.
You drifted before, so let this friendship drift again, but this time do it intentionally.
If she says anything, tell her you’re very busy and need to take a break. If she won’t accept this, say you feel you have very different lives now.
My support pack, Standing Up For Yourself, should help you have this conversation.
