Advice on Friendship Changes - PDF

**Signed, Drifting** [**Help! I think my friends only like me because of my money**](https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/advice/personal-development/article/3290963/asking-friend-help-i-think-my-friends-only-me-because-my-money) **Dear Drifting,** It's clear you have compassion for your friend. We c...

**Signed, Drifting** [**Help! I think my friends only like me because of my money**](https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/advice/personal-development/article/3290963/asking-friend-help-i-think-my-friends-only-me-because-my-money) **Dear Drifting,** It's clear you have compassion for your friend. We can sense your hesitation in starting this conversation and your concern for their feelings. Navigating a change in any relationship can be challenging, especially a friendship you want to take from "best friends" to "just friends". It can be uncomfortable as many people do not respond well to distance. However, it is normal for friendships to evolve over time; there is no one way they should develop. We hope the following ideas are helpful when approaching this sensitive subject: **Acknowledge how you feel** Take some time to reflect. Embrace your emotions and explore the reasoning behind your desire to adjust the friendship. Allowing yourself time to settle is crucial. Additionally, accepting our feelings gives us a deeper understanding of ourselves and encourages personal growth. Likewise, respecting your friend's feelings is essential as well. **Treasure your happy moments** Try to be grateful for the good times you have had with your friend, even if you are heading in different directions. Looking back on your joyful memories can keep you resilient, making coping with transition and change in a relationship easier. [**Help! My friend is being ostracised at school**](https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/advice/personal-development/article/3289995/asking-friend-help-my-friend-being-ostracised-school-what-should-i-do) **Remain respectful** Be kind and polite to your friend. Mutual respect is important, even if you don't meet as frequently as you used to. You can spend more time with your own class and continue to greet your friend when you happen to cross paths. Be honest with your friend about your desire to spend more time with your classmates and how it will create distance between you. This gradual approach can help make the transition feel more natural. **Stay open-minded** Having said this, it is still understandable that your friend may not take the conversation well. They may feel uneasy or even upset. Be prepared to listen to their feelings and remain kind and respectful. Let your friend know you're open to spending time together as friends, even if it's less frequent. Remember, friendships constantly evolve. Be open to embracing something new about yourself and your friend. **If needed, seek more advice** It is always a good idea to share your feelings and thoughts with a trusted and informed person. They could be your close friends, parents or even teachers. Hopefully, they have some constructive advice and opinions to share! Even if this friendship does not feel like it used to be, it does not mean it is the end or that you cannot find another best friend. We hope you approach all your friendships with respect, trust, loyalty and genuine concern for each other's well-being and growth. **Sending you luck, Friend of a Friend**