In the grand spectacle of life, we all come to realize that even the most cherished friendships have an expiration date. Not because we’re harboring secret vendettas but because life happens—people move, and interests diverge. Suddenly, your best bud from middle school is now a crochet-loving punk while you’ve morphed into a preppy executive who secretly moonlights as a weekend raver.

Navigating the ebb and flow of friendships can be like riding a rollercoaster with a blindfold on. It’s a wild ride of shared jokes, inside references, and the occasional awkward moment where you realize you’re no longer on the same wavelength. Sure, it’s tough to let go, but sometimes you need to muster up the courage to hit the ‘eject’ button.

Now, let’s dive into the peculiar realm of friend breakups, where a clean break is as elusive as finding matching socks after laundry day.

Friendships, unlike romantic entanglements, are often perceived as eternal. The mere idea of parting ways with a friend can be as unthinkable as wearing socks with sandals. Yet, some friendships hit a point where they’re akin to a university party hangover—what seemed like a blast at the time leaves you questioning your choices the next day.

I recently said goodbye to a friend, let’s call her “Francine.” We met in London, where our friendship blossomed faster than a garden in spring. For two years, we weathered storms together, from job losses to eviction dramas. It felt like a bond that could withstand anything—a friendship marathon.

However, as the days marched on, I started noticing a pattern in our communication. Francine, on her bad days, transformed from my confidante into a storm of irritability. A disagreement about the weather could escalate into a full-blown tempest of accusations and hurtful words. Attempts to mend things were met with more turbulence, leaving me bewildered.

After a string of these episodes, I decided it was time for a heart-to-heart. I mustered my courage, pointed out the recurring storms, and requested an apology and a commitment to change. To my surprise, Francine admitted it was stress-driven but refused to apologize, citing her inability to be “diplomatic.” The decision was clear—the friendship had reached its expiration date.

Breaking up with a friend is no less impactful than parting ways with a romantic partner. It stings, and you’re left questioning if it was the right call. In my case, the aftermath was a mix of relief and self-discovery. I realized that tolerating poor behavior was conditioning me to accept it in all aspects of life.

Let me be clear: Ending a friendship doesn’t require the other person to be a certified villain. It’s about recognizing when a relationship is causing more harm than good. No one should tiptoe around their friends, and a true friend should reciprocate the care you invest in the relationship.

In the end, cutting ties with Francine wasn’t an act of aggression but a step toward a healthier, violence-free life. Silence and rejection can be forms of violence, and I chose to shield myself from such toxicity.

So, my message to you is this: A friend breakup doesn’t mean you’re banishing someone to the fiery depths of friendship hell. It’s about acknowledging when the relationship no longer serves both parties and bravely opting for a clean break. Remember, a clean cut might just be the key to fostering healthier relationships in your life.

This was written by our contributing writer, Suzanne Latre.