Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced unsupportive friends at least once in our lives. There’s no doubt it can be frustrating and hurtful, but it allows us to really assess the friendship and see if the lack of support is justified in any way. The CGS Team is sharing a few pointers on how to deal with those unsupportive friends. Until you actually confirm the reason for the lack of support, try to keep an open mind.
Tell the Truth
Friends should always be open and honest with each other. If something is bothering you, then it’s important to express how you feel towards them. As the old saying goes, “closed mouths don’t get fed”. How do you expect someone to know that something is wrong if you don’t tell them?
If you never express how a friend is making you feel then nine out of ten times they wont’ know. Approach your unsupportive friend from a place of honesty. Let them know how you’re feeling, and why you are feeling that way. Ask them to be honest with you about their feelings of whatever areas you feel are lacking the support. Avoid getting defensive when you hear their response.
Don’t Let it Bother You
If after expressing your feelings (in a calm and mature manner), you feel the conversation is going nowhere, don’t let it bother you after the fact. Letting differences bother you will only create tension between you and your friend. This takes away from the true issue at hand, which is resolving the lack of support.
Instead of sitting around and letting the matter consume you, pick up a new hobby. Whenever something is bothering you, it’s always a good time to try something new. Putting all of your energy into something positive, such as a new work project, pastime, or family is a lot more productive than sitting around all day wondering why you aren’t feeling the support.
Find New Friends
Sometimes finding new friends isn’t as bad as you may think. When the circle of friends that surround you is unsupportive, it may be a sign to find new ones or switch up the scenery. Every relationship is 50/50 which includes family, friends, work, and romantic partners. If your friends aren’t supporting you and your dreams, and failing to give you a reason why, it may be time to meet new people.
All relationships are give and take! It’s never okay to be mistreated or to mistreat others, so before finding new friends exhaust all possible avenues of reviving your friendship. If you aren’t able to pinpoint the reason for the lack of support, and your friend just isn’t giving you a specific reason, know that you did what you had to.
Related: How to Spot and Weed Out Toxic People
Unsupportive friends should be called out! There may be a valid reason for their lack of support, but you will never know unless you speak to them. It’s important to remember people will always come and go out of our lives. The key to a successful relationship is treating others how you would like to be treated and cherishing those relationships that are true and solid. Have you ever encountered an unsupportive friend? What advice would you give someone who doesn’t know how to deal with a friend like that? Leave a comment below to share your experiences!
