I’ve been considering ending my friendship with someone.
So, I (14M) have this friend (14M) and while we’re technically friends, we really don’t have much in common. We’re only friends because we’re in the same group. He’s really into anime, which just isn’t my thing. Not that I have anything against it, I just haven’t found it interesting. Lately, though, he’s been acting really emotional. Like, if I say something as simple as, “Hey Joe, how’s it going?” he’ll start crying. I’ve tried to check in with him to see if something’s bothering him at home, but he says everything is fine.
I’ll admit, I did peek through his window once out of concern. I saw him sitting there, eating chips and talking disrespectfully to his nice mom. It’s strange—he seems distant with me and really harsh, even calling me weak and skinny. I don’t know what to make of it. I’ll share more about our interactions in the comments, but right now, I genuinely need some advice on how to handle this situation.
For context, some of the things he says are along the lines of, “Wow, Terry (not my real name), you’re so skinny and weak.” I usually respond with, “Yeah, and you’re really out of shape!” but somehow I end up being the bad guy.
It sounds like you’re in a really tough situation with your friend. It’s clear that the dynamic between you two isn’t healthy, especially if he’s putting you down and making you uncomfortable.
First, it’s important to prioritize your own wellbeing. If you feel like this friendship is doing more harm than good, it might be a good idea to distance yourself. You can do this gradually by avoiding one-on-one interactions or redirecting conversations when he tries to engage with you.
At the same time, if he’s going through something emotionally intense, it can be tough to navigate. If you feel safe doing so, you might have an honest conversation with him about how his comments make you feel. However, if that feels too intimidating or if you think it won’t lead to a positive outcome, don’t hesitate to step back instead.
It’s also worth considering talking to a trusted adult about what’s going on, especially since it sounds like he may be struggling with his emotions. They could offer you guidance or even support him if needed.
Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your own mental health and seek out friendships that are supportive and uplifting.