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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > School > Friends following me
Posted on: 12/06/2004
Question
I have been hanging out with these girls, but I don't really like them any more. I have new friends now. My old ones keep following me. How do I tell them I don't like them any more?
Answer
It sounds like you're bugged by some who still like being around you. Your tastes changed in friends. The thing is, they may change again. And you never know when you may need something or someone on your side, at school or just in life. You also don't know how your old or new friends may change in times ahead. So, go with your new friends, as long as they seem to be true friends, but I'd suggest not being abrupt with the old friends. Just contain their involvement with you in polite ways. You might suggest kindly, and genuinely, that you're occupied at a particular time but don't want hurt their feelings and will call them later, or see them elsewhere. Then follow through - call them, make a specific plan with where and when to meet, and do it. You need something specific to substitute for being with them when they're spontaneously trying to be with you. Lunch time can be hard if at school your peer group is changing, or right after school if you used to go home together. Be thoughtful and act as though you're not disconnecting altogether; hurt feelings could make things worse for you. Good luck.