8 subtle signals that your friendship is no longer worthwhile

Sometimes you feel it deep inside, but it's hard to admit it. That friendship that was once so pure, beautiful, and fun, is just not that anymore. It's a bit worn out. You have changed.

That's okay. But it does hurt sometimes. How do you know for sure that your friendship has faded and is over? Unlike relationships, it doesn't really come with a serious break-up. Usually, that nice friendship slowly fades away. You talk to your friend less and less, the contact is a bit awkward. These are the 8 subtle signs that your friendship is no longer worth it. Because that saves you heartache. Because nothing is as annoying and hurtful as pulling on a dead horse.

1. You text her more often than she does you. At first, that's not a big deal. But after months, after years… That it always has to come from your side? That stings. And that says something: apparently, she has less need to see you than you do to see her. Friendships need to be equal as a foundation.

2. She forgets things about you. She doesn't remember well what you told her about your important work appointment. She doesn't recall what you said about that family dispute. She forgets your birthday, your graduation, your first day at your new job, your child's birthday… She just doesn't care that much.

3. She has less time for you. Less and less. A pretty clear signal that you should take seriously.

4. And you also notice that when you see her, she hardly listens. She talks more about herself. She just finds that more interesting.

5. You still laugh and talk, really. But the conversations are less profound. It's somewhat superficial contact. It never really goes anywhere, it stays a bit like the interaction neighbors have with each other.

6. She is always in a hurry when you see her. Because she has to go again, it's busy again, she's tired, no she can only have one glass of wine, because tomorrow there’s this and that. You are no longer her priority, and you feel that. It's hard to accept.

7. You also notice that you are different. When your norms and values start to diverge and your lives take on different shapes, keeping the friendship warm becomes particularly difficult. You have little to share with each other, you have no common ground anymore. At first, there was, but now you have to search for it a bit. Sometimes you also don't know what to ask her anymore, because you are busy with very different things.

8. And your friend groups also don't match at all. There are no mutual friends or your partners can't get along well. It's a bit sparse, what's left.

And then you can keep pulling at it for a long time and complain about it and hold on to it… But sometimes it's better to let go and just let it be. Then you will ultimately feel better – and more loved by others.