By Karen Karbo, REDBOOK
Q: "I've had to face the difficult decision of ending several friendships this year. They had become competitive and superficial, and I wasn't my authentic self around these women. I just deleted them from Facebook and avoided all contact. Is there a better way to handle this?" -C.B., 38, Texas
Related: 50 Under $50 Frugal Finds for Spring
A: Hold it right there. Do you really think it's okay to cut off friends with a click of the mouse and not even a word as to why? C'mon! The same way you'd break up with a boyfriend, you owe your female friends an explanation for dumping them. You might find that these "superficial" pals have a reason for their behavior. Maybe they're keeping things intentionally light because they're struggling with something. But you won't know unless you talk to them. Unfriending and dodging all contact is easy, but not kind.
Advice guru Karen Karbo is a mom, a teacher, and the author of the new book How Georgia Became O'Keeffe.
Related: 25 Snacks Under 150 Calories
Do you need life advice?
Send questions about perplexing friends, family, mates, colleagues, and anyone else to karenkarbo@redbookmag.com , and include your initials, age, and state. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
More from REDBOOK:
-
5 Man-Magnet, Figure-Flattering, Show-Stopping Outfits
-
Sex Toys That Give the Best Buzz
- 75 Most Iconic Hairstyles of All Time
- Fun, Cheap Date Ideas
- 8 Tips for Baby-Soft Skin
Permissions: Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
8 comments