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7 Strategies You Can Use to Gracefully Distance Yourself From a Controlling Friend
Reclaim your independence and emotional well-being without resorting to drama or confrontation
I met my friend at work. We spent a large part of our days in the same environment, and our birthdays were in the same month, so it was natural that we gravitated towards each other.
She was a lively ball of fire who had survived an abusive relationship. I looked up to her and saw her as an authority on many life matters. I felt I had an ally by my side. We went shopping together — she knew all the shops with good deals. She encouraged me to spend a lot of money. It wasn’t until my account was in the red that I realised how controlling she was.
Friends are meant to be sources of support and joy. When their behaviour becomes overwhelmingly controlling, it can leave us feeling stifled and drained. Confronting such behaviour head-on can be tricky, and often, a more subtle approach is necessary.
Fortunately for me, I found a way to distance myself from my friend. You may find yourself in a similar situation and wondering how to turn things round.
Here are seven strategies you can use to gracefully distance yourself from a controlling friend, allowing you…
