Taking a step back in a friendship can be a gradual process of distancing yourself.
According to the provided reference, the most common way friendships "end" is not through dramatic breakups but by simply fading out. Here's how you can achieve that:
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Let it fade: This is the most common approach. You can reduce your engagement without a direct confrontation.
- Reduce contact: Initiate contact less frequently. Wait longer to respond to messages.
- Decrease frequency of meetups: Gradually decline invitations to hang out, or suggest rescheduling to a later date that never materializes.
- Become less involved: Show less interest in the friend's personal life and share less about your own.
Essentially, you allow the friendship to naturally decrease in intensity until it reaches a comfortable, less involved level. This avoids confrontation and allows both parties to adjust to a new dynamic without a formal ending.