I’ve been guilty of this myself, remaining friends with those for far too long, putting myself in situations that weren’t aligned with whom I am with no real validation for doing so.

Just like intimate relationships; the investment in friendships contract, evolve stagnate and in some cases become toxic. So why is it difficult to step away from a friendship, even if it becomes unhealthy, toxic, or just unsatisfying.

Why do we stay in relationships when they clearly stop working for us?

You have a past that has emotional value.

BFF, ‘best friends forever’ is a phrase that you’d expect to hear in a primary school playground, however I’ve seen it permeate into the lives of those you’d least expect.

While the nostalgia attached to childhood friendships can lead to closeness that endures and grows over time, it can also hinder the separation process when that friendship stops feeling mutual or fails to evolve.

It’s not the breaking up that is hard, it’s the drama that follows that will haunt you years after – this isn’t validation to stay.

Childhood friends may stay friends because they feel guilty for violating the sacred bond of a friendship. Even the ability to say “we’ve been friends for 20 years” can make exiting a friendship more difficult – especially if at the decision making end.

https://benjaminbonetti.co.uk/blogs/news/when-is-the-right-time-to-end-a-friendship-or-relationship